ttle hearts, what can it all be about?" she
questioned, but she could not get at the truth.

Suddenly the children ceased asking for jobs, and announced that they had
all the money they cared for. The day after this announcement was the first
of April. When Mr. Ford came home to dinner that day, he missed Johnnie.

"I suppose some of his schoolmates have persuaded him to stay and share
their lunch," explained Mrs. Ford.

She had scarcely finished speaking when Mrs. Wood came in, inquiring for
Chips. "I have not seen him for two hours," she said, "and I cannot help
feeling a little anxious, for the children have behaved so queerly lately."

"I know," returned Mrs. Ford, beginning to look worried. "Why, do you know,
Johnnie didn't play a trick on one of us this morning. I actually had to
remind him that it was April Fools' Day."

Mr. Ford laughed. "How woe-begone you both look! I think there is a very
simple explanation of the boys' absence. Chips probably went to school to
meet Johnnie, who has persuaded him to stay during the play hour. I will
drive around there on my way to business and send Chips home."

The mothers welcomed this idea warmly; and in a short time Mr. Ford set
out, but upon reaching the school was met with the word that Johnnie had
not been seen there at all that morning. Then it was his turn to look
anxious. He drove about, questioning every one, until he finally obtained a
clue at the meat market where he dealt.

"Your little boy was in here this morning about half past ten, after a ham.
He wouldn't have it charged; said 'twas for himself," said the market-man,
laughing at the remembrance. "He didn't have quite enough money to pay for
it, but I told him I guessed that would be all right, and off they went,
him and the little Wood boy, luggin' that ham most as big as they was."

"Then they were together. Which way did they go?"

"Straight south, I know, 'cause I went to the door and watched 'em. You
haven't lost 'em, have you?"

"I hope not," and Mr. Ford sprang into his buggy, and drove off in the
direction indicated, occasionally stopping to inquire if the children had
been seen. To his great satisfaction he found it easy to trace them, thanks
to the ham; and a little beyond the outskirts of the town he saw a
promising speck ahead of him on the flat, white road. As he drew nearer,
the speck widened and heightened into two little boys trudging along before
him. His heart gave a thankful bound