't stand it we might make another trial to get you
off."

"I don't want to go there, anyhow. I should like to help duck the
squire in the horse pond."

"Well, Harry, I have done all I can for you," continued Mr. Nason,
seating himself on a keg on the barn floor. "I wish I could help you."

"You have been very good to me, Mr. Nason. I shall always remember you
as the best friend I ever had," replied Harry, the tears streaming
down his sun-browned cheeks.

"Never mind that, Harry; don't cry."

"I can't help it; you have been so good to me, that I hate to leave
you," blubbered Harry.

"I am sorry you must leave us; we shall miss you about the place, and
I wish it was so that you could stay. But what makes it ten times
worse is the idea of your going to Jacob Wire's."

"Mr. Nason," said Harry, dashing down his tears, and looking earnestly
at the keeper, "I have made up my mind that I won't go to Wire's
anyhow."

"I don't blame you; but I don't see how you can fight the squire. He
carries too many guns for you, or for me, either, for that matter. I
have been thinking of something, Harry, though I suppose, if I should
speak it out loud, it would be as much as my place here is worth."

"I have been thinking of something, too," continued Harry, with a good
deal of emphasis.

"What?"

"I can't tell even you."

Mr. Nason, sympathizing deeply with his young friend, did not attempt
to obtain any knowledge whose possession might be inconvenient to him.
He was disposed to help the boy escape the fate in store for him; but
at the same time, having a family to support, he did not wish to lose
his situation, though, if the emergency had demanded it, he would
probably have been willing to make even this sacrifice.

"I was thinking, Harry, how astonished the squire would be, when he
comes over in the morning to take you to Jacob Wire's, if he should
not happen to find you here."

"I dare say he would," answered Harry, with a meaning smile.

"By the way, have you heard from Charles Smith lately? You know he
went to Boston last spring, and they say he has got a place, and is
doing first rate there."

The keeper smiled as he spoke, and Harry understood him as well as
though he had spoken out the real thought that was in his mind.

"I suppose others might do as he has done."

"No doubt of it."

Mr. Nason took from his pocket the large shot bag purse, in which he
kept his change, and picked out four quarters.

"Here