by was struck with the apparent freedom of the
institution, and he so expressed himself to his companions.

"Not so much freedom as you think for," said one, in reply.

"I should think the fellows would clear out."

"Not so easy a matter. There is a standing reward of five dollars to
any one who brings back a runaway."

"They must catch him first."

"No fellow ever got away yet. They always caught him before he got ten
miles from the place."

This was an important suggestion to Bobby, who already had a definite
purpose in his mind. Like a skilful general, he had surveyed the
ground on his arrival, and was at once prepared to execute his design.

In his conversation with the boys, he obtained, the history of several
who had attempted to escape, and found that even those who got a fair
start were taken on some public road. He perceived that they were not
good generals, and he determined to profit by their mistake.

A short distance from the institution was what appeared to be a very
extensive wood. Beyond this, many miles distant, he could see the
ocean glittering like a sheet of ice under the setting sun.

He carefully observed the hills, and obtained the bearings of various
prominent objects in the vicinity, which would aid him in his flight.
The boys gave him all the information in their power about the
localities of the country. They seemed to feel that he was possessed
of a superior spirit, and that he would not long remain among them;
but, whatever they thought, they kept their own counsel.

Bobby behaved well, and was so intelligent and prompt that he obtained
the confidence of the superintendent, who began to employ him about the
house, and in his own family. He was sent of errands in the
neighborhood, and conducted himself so much to the satisfaction of his
guardians that he was not required to work in the field after the
second day of his residence on the farm.

One afternoon he was told that his clothes were ready, and that he
might put them on the next morning. This was a disagreeable
announcement; for Bobby saw that, with the uniform of the institution
upon his back, his chance of escape would be very slight. But about
sunset, he was sent by the superintendent's lady to deliver a note at a
house in the vicinity.

"Now or never!" said Bobby to himself, after he had left the house.
"Now's my time."

As he passed the gate, he secured his money, and placed it in the
secret receptacle of h