ially if he did not succeed in making the professor
refund, and decided that it would be well to continue to practice
economy.

"I have no doubt you can," said the landlord, "but it will be better not
to let the professor get too much the start of you. I will myself have a
horse harnessed, and take you most of the distance in my buggy."

"But, Mr. Gates, won't it be putting you to a great deal of trouble?"

"Not at all. I shall enjoy a ride this morning, and the road to
Knoxville is a very pleasant one."

"Let me pay something for the ride, then."

"Not a cent. You will need all your money, and I can carry you just as
well as not," said the landlord heartily.

"I am very fortunate in such a kind friend," said Philip gratefully.

"Oh, it isn't worth talking about! Here, Jim, go out and harness the
horse directly."

When the horse was brought round, Philip was all ready, and jumped in.

"Would you like to drive, Mr. Gray?" asked the landlord.

"Yes," answered Philip, with alacrity.

"Take the lines, then," said the landlord.

Most boys of Philip's age are fond of driving, and our hero was no
exception to the rule, as the landlord supposed.

"You'll promise not to upset me," said Mr. Gates, smiling. "I am getting
stout, and the consequences might be serious."

"Oh, I am used to driving," said Philip, "and I will take care not to
tip over."

The horse was a good one, and to Philip's satisfaction, went over the
road in good style.

Philip enjoyed driving, but, of course, his mind could not help dwelling
on the special object of his journey.

"I hope we are on the right track," he said. "I shouldn't like to miss
the professor."

"You will soon know, at any rate," said Gates. "It seems to me," he
continued, "that Riccabocca made a great mistake in running off with
that money."

"He thought it would be safe to cheat a boy."

"Yes; but admitting all that, you two were likely to make money. In
Wilkesville your profits were a hundred dollars in one evening. Half of
that belonged to the professor, at any rate. He has lost his partner,
and gained only fifty dollars, which would not begin to pay him for your
loss."

"Perhaps he thought he would draw as well alone."

"Then he is very much mistaken. To tell the plain truth, our people
thought very little of his share of the performance. I saw some of them
laughing when he was ranting away. It was you they enjoyed hearing."

"I am glad of that," said Philip