"Boys," he said, "you have heard what this man says. What do you think
of it?"

"I believe him!" said Philip promptly.

"Thank you, boy," said the tramp. "I am glad some one has confidence in
me."

"I believe you, too," said Frank.

"I have not deceived you. Your words have done me more good than you
think. It is my first attempt to steal, and it shall be my last."

"If you want to become an honest man, God forbid that I should do aught
to prevent you!" said the farmer. "I may be acting unwisely, but I mean
to cut this rope and let you go."

"Will you really do this?" said the tramp, his face lighting up with
mingled joy and surprise.

"I will."

He knelt on the floor, and drawing from his pocket a large jack-knife,
cut the rope.

The tramp sprang to his feet.

"Thank you," he said, in a husky voice. "I believe you are a good man.
There are not many who would treat me as generously, considering what
I tried to do just now. You sha'n't repent it. Will you give me your
hand!"

"Gladly," said the farmer; and he placed his hand in that of the
visitor, lately so unwelcome. "I wish you better luck."

"Boys, will you give me your hands, too?" asked tke tramp, turning to
Philip and Frank.

Tke boys readily complied with his request, and repeated the good wishes
of the farmer.

The stranger was about to leave the house, when Lovett said:

"Stay, my friend, I wish to ask you a question."

"Very well, sir."

"Have you any money?"

"Not a cent."

"Then take this," said the farmer, drawing from his vest pocket a
five-dollar bill. "I lend it to you. Some time you will be able to repay
it, if you keep to your resolution of leading an honest life. When that
time comes, lend it to some man who needs it as you do now."

"Thank you, sir. I will take it, for it will help me greatly at this
time. Good-by! If you ever see me again, you will see a different man."

He leaped through the window and was gone.

"I don't know if I have done a wise thing, but I will take the risk,"
said the farmer. "And now, boys, I want to make you some return for your
assistance to-night." Both Frank and Philip earnestly protested that
they would receive nothing in the conversation that ensued. Philip made
known his intention to leave Norton the next morning.

"What are your plans? Where do you mean to go?" asked the farmer.

"I don't know, sir. I shall make up my mind as I go along. I think I can
make my living somehow."

"W