e more likely to go to the police station than to this
beautiful land you're talking about."

So saying, he started off upon his beat.

The mere thought of spending the night at the police station so
thoroughly terrorized Rosa that her heart for the instant almost stood
still.

Billy Bruce, the boy who lived next door to Mrs. Gray, had told her
blood-curdling tales concerning his oft-repeated experiences in being
locked up for the night, and, moreover, according to his criterion, he
was always innocent of any misdemeanor.

"But the worst part of all," he had confided, "is a goin' before the
judge. You know the judge is the man what's made to git folks into
trouble."

What should she do? Her childish eyes could see that grandpa was about
given out, but the mere thought of returning to Burton street filled her
with a feeling akin to terror.

"But," she argued, "Mis' Gray won't be home till Monday, and mebbe it's
too far to the beautiful land that we can't get there today, anyhow. And
I know mother'd feel awful if we'd get put in the p'lice station.

"Say, grandpa," she suddenly inquired, "why didn't we ask that p'liceman
the way? They're on purpose to tell folks how to go. I wish we had, but
then I'm afraid to speak to another."

"I don't know, child, but I wish we wuz there. I'm so cold and tired,
and I want Tom."

"I'll tell you, grandpa, let's go back and get warm and rested. You know
there is some of that bushel of coal left Mis' Gray got the other day.
Then tomorrow we can try once more. The lady said something about church
and Sunday school, but I don't know what she meant. Mebbe we can find
some yet to tell us, when it's for everybody. I'd think we could."

"Jest as you say, dearie, jest as you say, but it 'pears like we must
find it, 'cause I'm so homesick."

Slowly they began retracing their steps, the old man leaning heavily
with one hand upon the stick which served as a cane, and with the other
clasping Rosa's.

Turning a corner, they suddenly came face to face with a well-dressed
gentleman who, Rosa thought, could certainly tell them.

"Oh, say, mister," she said running up to his side, "won't you please--"

"No, I won't, you little beggar, I have nothing for you."

For the instant she was so surprised and indignant, that she could not
answer, but, collecting herself, shouted after him:

"We ain't either beggars, and I don't want no money. I just want to know
the way to the beautiful land."