tily. However, Philip had the appetite of a healthy boy, and he ate
and drank everything that had been provided.

"I'll be up in the morning," said Mr. Tucker. "We go to bed early here.
The paupers go to roost at seven, and me and my wife and Zeke at eight.
You'd better go to bed early, too."

CHAPTER XIII. A FRIENDLY MISSION.

Philip was glad to hear that all in the almshouse went to bed so early.
He had not yet given up the hope of escaping that night, though he had
as yet arranged no definite plan of escape.

Meanwhile, he had an active friend outside. I refer, of course, to Frank
Dunbar. Frank had no sooner heard of his friend's captivity than he
instantly determined, if it were a possible thing, to help him to
escape.

He would not even wait till the next day, but determined after it was
dark to visit the poor-house and reconnoiter. First, he informed his
parents what had befallen Phil. Their indignation was scarcely less than
his.

"Squire Pope is carrying matters with a high hand," said the farmer.
"According to my idea, he has done no less than kidnap Philip, without
the shadow of a legal right."

"Can't he be prosecuted?" asked Frank eagerly.

"I am not sure as to that," answered his father, "but I am confident
that Philip will not be obliged to remain, unless he chooses, a
dependent upon the charity of the town."

"It is outrageous!" said Mrs. Dunbar, who was quite as friendly to
Philip as her husband and son.

"In my opinion," said Mr. Dunbar, "Squire Pope has done a very unwise
thing as regards his own interests. He desires to remain in office, and
the people will not be likely to reelect him if his policy is to make
paupers of those who wish to maintain themselves. Voters will be apt to
think that they are sufficiently taxed already for the support of those
who are actually unable to maintain themselves."

"If I were a voter," exclaimed Frank indignantly, "I wouldn't vote
for Squire Pope, even for dog-catcher! The meanest part of it is the
underhanded way in which he has taken Phil. He must have known he was
acting illegally, or he would have come here in open day and required
Phil to go with him."

"I agree with you, Frank. Squire Pope may be assured that he has lost
my vote from henceforth. Hitherto I have voted for him annually for
selectman, knowing that he wanted the office and considering him fairly
faithful."

"Father," said Frank, after a thoughtful pause, "do you think Phil