picion. If he went forward,
the man might have already received a description of him, and arrest
him.

He chose the latter course. The instinct of his being was to do every
thing in a straightforward manner, and this probably prompted his
decision.

"Good morning, sir," said he boldly to the man.

"Good morning. Where are you travelling?" This was a hard question.
He did not know where he was travelling; besides, even in his present
difficult position, he could not readily resort to a lie.

"Down here a piece," he replied.

"Travelled far to-day?"

"Not far. Good morning, sir;" and Bobby resumed his walk.

"I say, boy, suppose you tell me where you are going;" and the man came
close to him, and deliberately surveyed him from head to foot.

"I can hardly tell you," replied Bobby, summoning courage for the
occasion.

"Well, I suppose not," added the man, with a meaning smile.

Bobby felt his strength desert him as he realized that he was suspected
of being a runaway from the Reform School. That smile on the man's
face was the knell of hope; and for a moment he felt a flood of misery
roll over his soul. But the natural elasticity of his spirits soon
came to his relief, and he resolved not to give up the ship, even if he
had to fight for it.

"I am in a hurry, so I shall have to leave you."

"Not just yet, young man. Perhaps, as you don't know where you are
going, you may remember what your name is," continued the man, good
naturedly.

There was a temptation to give a false name; but is it was so strongly
beaten into our hero that the truth is better than a falsehood, he held
his peace.

"Excuse me, sir, but I can't stop to talk now."

"In a hurry? Well, I dare say you are. I suppose there is no doubt
but you are Master Robert Bright."

"Not the least, sir; I haven't denied it yet, and I am not ashamed of
my name," replied Bobby, with a good deal of spirit.

"That's honest; I like that."

"Honesty is the best policy," added Bobby.

"That's cool for a rogue, any how. You ought to thought of that afore."

"I did."

"And stole the money?"

"I didn't. I never stole a penny in my life."

"Come, I like that."

"It is the truth."

"But they won't believe it over to the Reform school," laughed the man.

"They will one of these days, perhaps."

"You are a smart youngster; but I don't know as I can make five dollars
any easier than by taking you back where you come from."

"Yes, you c