into a Scrape, and
Tom Spicer turns up again 191

XVI. In which Bobby finds "it is an ill wind
that blows no one any good" 205

XVII. In which Tom has a good Time, and Bobby
meets with a terrible Misfortune 219

XVIII. In which Bobby takes French Leave, and
camps in the Woods 235

XIX. In which Bobby has a narrow Escape, and
goes to Sea with Sam Ray 248

XX. In which the Clouds blow over, and Bobby
is himself again 264

XXI. In which Bobby steps off the Stage, and
the Author must finish "Now or Never" 280

NOW OR NEVER

OR

THE ADVENTURES OF BOBBY BRIGHT

CHAPTER I

IN WHICH BOBBY GOES A FISHING, AND CATCHES A HORSE

"By jolly! I've got a bite!" exclaimed Tom Spicer, a rough,
hard-looking boy, who sat on a rock by the river's side, anxiously
watching the cork float on his line.

"Catch him, then," quietly responded Bobby Bright, who occupied
another rock near the first speaker, as he pulled up a large pout,
and, without any appearance of exultation, proceeded to unhook and
place him in his basket.

"You are a lucky dog, Bob," added Tom, as he glanced into the basket
of his companion, which now contained six good-sized fishes. "I
haven't caught one yet."

"You don't fish deep enough."

"I fish on the bottom."

"That is too deep."

"It don't make any difference how I fish; it is all luck."

"Not all luck, Tom; there is something in doing it right."

"I shall not catch a fish," continued Tom, in despair.

"You'll catch something else, though, when you go home."

"Will I?"

"I'm afraid you will."

"Who says I will?"

"Didn't you tell me you were 'hooking jack'?"

"Who is going to know anything about it?"

"The master will know you are absent."

"I shall tell him my mother sent me over to the village on an errand."

"I never knew a fellow to 'hook jack,' yet, without getting found
out."

"I shall not get found out unless you blow on me; and you wouldn't be
mean enough to do that;" and Tom glanced uneasily at his companion.

"Suppose your mother should ask me if I had seen you."

"You would tell her you have not, of course."

"Of course?"

"Why, wouldn't you? Wouldn't you do as much as that for