I will not."

"Enough said; then. I shall go alone, or get some fellow to go with
me."

"Consider well before you go," pleaded Bobby, who had sense enough to
see that Tom's proposed "good time" would put back, if not entirely
prevent, the reform he was working out.

He then proceeded to reason with him in a very earnest and feeling
manner, telling him he would not only spend all his money, but
completely unfit himself for business. What he proposed to do was
nothing more nor less than extravagance, and it would lead him to
dissipation and ruin.

"To-day I am going to send one hundred dollars to Mr. Bayard,"
continued Bobby; "for I am afraid to have so much money with me. I
advise you to send your money to your employer."

"Humph! Catch me doing that! I am bound to have a good time, any how."

"At least, send the money you owe him."

"I'll bet I won't."

"Well, do as you please; I have said all I have to say."

"You are a fool, Bob!" exclaimed Tom, who had evidently used Bobby as
much as he wished, and no longer cared to speak soft words to him.

"Perhaps I am; but I know better than to spend my money upon fast
horses. If you will go, I can't help it. I am sorry you are going
astray."

"What do you mean by that, you young monkey?" said Tom, angrily.

This was Tom Spicer, the bully. It sounded like him; and with a
feeling of sorrow Bobby resigned the hopes he had cherished of making a
good boy of him.

"We had better part now," added our hero, sadly.

"I'm willing."

"I shall leave Brunswick this afternoon for the towns up the river. I
hope no harm will befall you. Good by, Tom,"

"Go it! I have heard your preaching about long enough, and I am more
glad to get rid of you than you are to get rid of me."

Bobby walked away towards the house where he had left the trunk
containing his books, while Tom made his way towards a livery stable.
The boys had been in the place for several days, and had made some
acquaintances; so Tom had no difficulty in procuring a companion for
his proposed ride.

Our hero wrote a letter that afternoon to Mr. Bayard, in which he
narrated all the particulars of his journey, his relations with Tom
Spicer, and the success that had attended his labors. At the bank he
procured a hundred dollar note for his small bills, and enclosed it in
the letter.

He felt sad about Tom. The runaway had done so well, had been so
industrious, and shown such a tractable spirit, tha