f into the
grove with the speed of an antelope.

"Was that Noddy?" asked Mr. Grant, as he joined Bertha a few minutes
later.

"Yes, father."

"Why didn't you tell me he was here, Bertha?"

"He came but a few moments ago. He came to bid me good-bye."

"Where is he going?"

"He is going to sea. He says you intend to take him to the court-house."

"This is very unfortunate. A most remarkable event in regard to the boy
has occurred, which I haven't time to tell you about now. It is very
important that I should find him at once."

"I don't think you can catch him. He is very much afraid of being sent
to prison."

"I had no intention of sending him to prison," laughed Mr. Grant.

"But he heard Squire Wriggs say he must take him over to the court."

"That was for another matter--in a word, to have a guardian appointed,
for Noddy will be a rich man when he is of age."

"Noddy?" exclaimed Bertha.

"Yes; but I haven't a moment to spare. I have been at work on his
affairs since yesterday morning. They are all right now; and all we want
to enable us to complete the business is the presence of the boy."

"Poor fellow! He is terribly worked up at the idea of going to the
court-house, or even to a tinker's shop, as he calls it."

"Well, he is running away from his own fortune and happiness; and I must
find him."

"I hope you will, father," said Bertha, earnestly, as Mr. Grant hastened
away to organize a pursuit of the refugee.

All the male servants on the place were summoned, and several started
off in the direction in which Noddy had retreated. The boatman and
others were sent off in the boats; and the prospect was, that the
fugitive would be captured within a few hours. As our story relates more
especially to the runaway himself, we shall follow him, and leave the
well-meaning people of Woodville to pursue their investigations alone.

When Noddy discovered Mr. Grant, he was satisfied that the gentleman saw
him, for he quickened his pace, and walked towards the place where he
stood holding Bertha's hand. He ran with all his might by the familiar
paths till he reached the Glen. There were, at present, no signs of a
pursuit; but he was confident that it would not be delayed, and he did
not even stop to take breath. Rushing down to the water, he embarked in
the skiff, and rowed up the river, taking care to keep in shore, where
he could not be seen from below.

Above Van Alstine's Island, he crossed the river, an