right? Your uncle's given me the charge of you."

"That is something he had no right to do."

"Why not? Ain't he your guardian?"

"No."

"Who is, then?"

"I have no guardian but myself."

"That's a likely story. I can't listen to no such foolish talk."

Aaron Bickford felt that it was time to move upon the enemy's
entrenchments, and, putting one leg on the lower rail, he proceeded to
climb over the fence.

But the boys had anticipated this move, and were prepared for it. By the
time the blacksmith was inside the field, the boys, who were
considerably lighter and more active, had crossed to the reverse side.

"Here we are again, Mr. Bickford," said William Morris.

The blacksmith frowned.

"Don't you be impudent, Bill Morris," he said. "I haven't anything to do
with you, but I sha'n't let you sass me."

"What have I said that's out of the way?" asked William.

"Oh, you're mighty innocent, you are! You're aidin' and abettin' Kit
Watson to escape from me, his lawful master."

"I have no master, Mr. Bickford," said Kit, proudly.

"Well, that's what they used to call 'em when I was a boy. Boys weren't
so pert and impudent in them days."

Meanwhile the blacksmith was recrossing the fence.

Kit and William took the opportunity to run, and by the time Mr.
Bickford was again on the roadside they were several rods away.

This naturally exasperated the blacksmith, who felt mortified at his
failure to overtake the youngsters. A new idea occurred to him.

"You, Bill, do you want to earn a dime?" he asked.

"How?" inquired William.

"Just help me catch that boy Kit, and I'll give you ten cents."

"I don't care to earn money that way, Mr. Bickford," responded William,
scornfully.

"Good for you, William!" exclaimed Kit.

"You won't earn ten cents any easier," persisted Bickford.

"I wouldn't do such a mean thing for a dollar, nor five dollars,"
replied William. "Kit's a friend of mine, and I'm going to stand by
him."

The blacksmith was made angry by this persistent refusal. Then again he
was faint and uncomfortable from having missed his breakfast, which
seemed likely to be indefinitely postponed.

"I'll lick you, Bill Morris, as well as Kit, when I catch you," he said.

"Probably you will--when you catch me!" retorted William, in an
aggravating tone. "Run faster, Kit."

The boys ran, but again they were impeded by the heavy valise, and
slowly but surely the blacksmith was gaining upon them.

K