t him.

He chose the latter course. The instinct of his being was to do
everything in a straightforward manner, and this probably prompted his
decision.

"Good morning, sir," said he boldly to the man.

"Good morning. Where are you travelling?"

This was a hard question. He did not know where he was travelling;
besides, even in his present difficult position, he could not readily
resort to a lie.

"Down here a piece," he replied.

"Travelled far to-day?"

"Not far. Good morning, sir;" and Bobby resumed his walk.

"I say, boy, suppose you tell me where you are going;" and the man
came close to him, and deliberately surveyed him from head to foot.

"I can hardly tell you," replied Bobby, summoning courage for the
occasion.

"Well, I suppose not," added the man, with a meaning smile.

Bobby felt his strength desert him as he realized that he was
suspected of being a runaway from the Reform School. That smile on the
man's face was the knell of hope; and for a moment he felt a flood of
misery roll over his soul. But the natural elasticity of his spirits
soon came to his relief, and he resolved not to give up the ship, even
if he had to fight for it.

"I am in a hurry, so I shall have to leave you."

"Not just yet, young man. Perhaps, as you don't know where you are
going, you may remember what your name is," continued the man, good
naturedly.

There was a temptation to give a false name; but as it was so strongly
beaten into our hero that the truth is better than a falsehood, he
held his peace.

"Excuse me, sir, but I can't stop to talk now."

"In a hurry? Well, I dare say you are. I suppose there is no doubt but
you are Master Robert Bright."

"Not the least, sir; I haven't denied it yet, and I am not ashamed of
my name," replied Bobby, with a good deal of spirit.

"That's honest; I like that."

"'Honesty is the best policy,'" added Bobby.

"That's cool for a rogue, anyhow. You ought to thought of that afore."

"I did."

"And stole the money?"

"I didn't. I never stole a penny in my life."

"Come, I like that."

"It is the truth."

"But they won't believe it over to the Reform School," laughed the
man.

"They will one of these days, perhaps."

"You are a smart youngster; but I don't know as I can make five
dollars any easier than by taking you back where you come from."

"Yes, you can," replied Bobby, promptly.

"Can I?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"By letting me go."

"Eh; you talk fl