I let you go with me, it will be just the same thing. Besides,
since you told me those lies this morning, I haven't much confidence in
you."

"I couldn't help that."

"Yes, you could. Couldn't help lying?"

"What could I do? You would have gone right back and told my father."

"Well, we will go up to Mr. Bayard's store, and then we will see what
can be done."

"I couldn't stay at home, sure," continued Tom, as they walked along
together. "My father even talked of binding me out to a trade."

"Did he?"

Bobby stopped short in the street; for it was evident that, as this
would remove him from his unhappy home, and thus effect all he
professed to desire, he had some other purpose in view.

"What are you stopping for, Bob?"

"I think you better go back, Tom."

"Not I; I won't do that, whatever happens."

"If your father will put you to a trade, what more do you want?"

"I won't go to a trade, any how."

Bobby said no more, but determined to consult with Mr. Bayard about the
matter; and Tom was soon too busily engaged in observing the strange
sights and sounds of the city to think of any thing else.

When they reached the store, Bobby went into Mr. Bayard's private
office and told him all about the affair. The bookseller decided that
Tom had run away more to avoid being bound to a trade than because his
home was unpleasant; and this decision seemed to Bobby all the more
just because he knew that Tom's mother, though a drunkard's wife, was a
very good woman. Mr. Bayard further decided that Bobby ought not to
permit the runaway to be the companion of his journey. He also
considered it his duty to write to Mr. Spicer, informing him of his
son's arrival in the city, and clearing Bobby from any agency in his
escape.

While Mr. Bayard was writing the letter, Bobby went out to give Tom the
result of the consultation. The runaway received it with a great show
of emotion, and begged and pleaded to have the decision reversed. But
Bobby, though he would gladly have done any thing for him which was
consistent with his duty, was firm as a rock, and positively refused,
to have any thing to do with him until he obtained his father's
consent; or, if there was any such trouble as he asserted, his mother's
consent.

Tom left the store, apparently "more in sorrow than in anger." His
bullying nature seemed to be cast out, and Bobby could not but feel
sorry for him. Duty was imperative, as it always is, and it mu