are a first rate feller, and I like
you. But you see, if you should blow on me now, you would spoil my
kettle of fish, and your own, too."

"But I won't, Ben."

"Promise me solemnly."

"Solemnly," repeated Harry.

"Well, then, I will get you out of the scrape as nice as a cotton
hat."

"How?"

"I guess I won't tell you now; but if you will come down here to-night
at eleven o'clock I will let you into the whole thing."

"Eleven o'clock! I can't come at that time. We all go to bed at eight
o'clock."

"Get up and come."

"I can do that; but perhaps Mr. Nason will persuade the overseers not
to send me to Jacob Wire's."

"I'm glad I didn't tell you, then. But promise me this, Harry: that,
whatever happens, you'll hold your tongue."

"I will, Ben."

"And if Nason don't get you off, be here at eleven o'clock. Put on
your best clothes, and take everything you want with you."

"Going to run away?"

"I didn't say so."

Ben made him promise again to be secret, and they separated. Harry had
an idea of what his companion intended, and the scheme solved all his
doubts. It was a practicable scheme of resistance, and he returned to
the poorhouse, no longer fearful of the impending calamity.

CHAPTER III

IN WHICH HARRY LEAVES THE POORHOUSE, AND TAKES TO THE RIVER

When Harry reached the poorhouse, Mr. Nason was absent, and one of the
paupers told him that he had taken the horse and wagon. He conjectured
that the keeper had gone to see the other overseers, to intercede with
them in his behalf. He did not feel as much interest in the mission as
he had felt two hours before, for Ben Stuart had provided a remedy for
his grievances, which he had fully decided to adopt.

It was nearly sunset before Mr. Nason returned; and when he came his
looks did not seem to indicate a favorable issue. Harry helped him
unharness the horse, and as he led him into the barn the keeper opened
the subject.

"I have been to see the other overseers, Harry," he began, in tones
which seemed to promise nothing hopeful.

"I thought likely you had gone."

"As I supposed, they are all afraid of Squire Walker. They daresn't
say their souls are their own."

"Then I must go to Jacob Wire's."

"The other overseers declare, if the squire says so, you must."

"It is a hard case, Mr. Nason," replied Harry, not much disappointed
at the result.

"I know it is, Harry. Perhaps you might try the place, and then, if
you found you couldn