earing a familiar look. Fixing his eyes anxiously upon them, he was
soon made aware that his suspicions were only too well founded. It was
Mr. Mudge, doubtless in quest of him.

"What shall I do?" he asked, hurriedly of his companion.

"What's the matter?"

This was quickly explained.

John was quickwitted, and he instantly decided upon the course proper
to be pursued. On either side of the road was a growth of underbrush so
thick as to be almost impenetrable.

"Creep in behind there, and be quick about it," directed John, "there is
no time to lose."

"There," said he, after Paul had followed his advice, "if he can see you
now he must have sharp eyes."

"Won't you come in too?"

"Not I," said John, "I am anxious to see this Mr. Mudge, since you have
told me so much about him. I hope he will ask me some questions."

"What will you tell him?"

"Trust me for that. Don't say any more. He's close by."

X.

MR. MUDGE MEETS HIS MATCH.

John lounged along, appearing to be very busily engaged in making a
whistle from a slip of willow which he had a short time before cut from
the tree. He purposely kept in the middle of the road, apparently quite
unaware of the approach of the vehicle, until he was aroused by the
sound of a voice behind him.

"Be a little more careful, if you don't want to get run over."

John assumed a look of surprise, and with comic terror ran to the side
of the road.

Mr. Mudge checked his horse, and came to a sudden halt.

"I say, youngster, haven't you seen a boy of about your own size walking
along, with a bundle in his hand?"

"Tied up in a red cotton handkerchief?" inquired John.

"Yes, I believe so," said Mr. Mudge, eagerly, "where did you----"

"With a blue cloth cap?"

"Yes, where----"

"Gray jacket and pants?"

"Yes, yes. Where?"

"With a patch on one knee?"

"Yes, the very one. When did you see him?" said Mr. Mudge, getting ready
to start his horse.

"Perhaps it isn't the one you mean," continued John, who took a
mischievous delight in playing with the evident impatience of Mr. Mudge;
"the boy that I saw looked thin, as if he hadn't had enough to eat."

Mr. Mudge winced slightly, and looked at John with some suspicion.
But John put on so innocent and artless a look that Mr. Mudge at once
dismissed the idea that there was any covert meaning in what he said.
Meanwhile Paul, from his hiding-place in the bushes, had listened with
anxiety to the foregoing coll