it. He struck across the fields and in that moment
decided that he would never return to Mr. Badger unless he was dragged
there. He felt sure that if he did he would be murdered.

He had no plans except to get away. He saw Dick Schmidt, bade him a
hurried good-by and took the road toward the next town.

For three days he traveled, indebted to compassionate farmers for food.
But excitement and fatigue finally overcame him, and he sank by the
roadside, about fifty miles from the town of Dexter, whence he had
started on his pilgrimage.

CHAPTER XXXI

BILL BENTON FINDS A FRIEND

Late one afternoon Robert Coverdale reached Columbus on his Western
trip. The next day he was to push on to the town of Dexter, where he had
information that the boy of whom he was in search lived.

The train, however, did not leave till eleven o'clock in the forenoon,
and Robert felt justified in devoting his leisure hours to seeing what
he could of the city and its surroundings.

He took an early breakfast and walked out into the suburbs.

As he strolled along a little boy, about seven years old, ran to meet
him.

"Please, mister," he said, "won't you come quick? There's a boy layin'
by the road back there, and I guess he's dead!"

Robert needed no second appeal. His heart was warm and he liked to help
others when he could.

"Show me where, bub," he said.

The little fellow turned and ran back, Robert keeping pace with him.

By the roadside, stretched out, pale and with closed eyes, lay the poor
bound boy, known as Bill Benton.

He was never very strong, and the scanty fare to which he had been
confined had sapped his physical strength.

Robert, at first sight, thought he was dead. He bent down and put his
hand upon the boy's heart. It was beating, though faintly.

"Is he dead, mister?" asked the boy.

"No, but he has fainted away. Is there any water near by?"

Yes, there was a spring close at hand, the little boy said.

Robert ran to it, soaked his handkerchief in it, and, returning, laved
the boy's face. The result was encouraging.

Bill opened his eyes and asked in a wondering tone:

"Where am I?"

"You are with a friend," said Robert soothingly. "How do you feel?"

"I am very tired and weak," murmured Bill.

"Are you traveling?"

"Yes."

"Where?"

"I don't know."

Robert thought that the boy's mind might be wandering, but continued:

"Have you no friends in Columbus?"

"No. I have no friends anywhe