oquy. When John described his appearance so
minutely, he was seized with a sudden apprehension that the boy meant
to betray him. But he dismissed it instantly. In his own singleness of
heart he could not believe such duplicity possible. Still, it was not
without anxiety that he waited to hear what would be said next.

"Well," said Mr. Mudge, slowly, "I don't know but he is a little PEAKED.
He's been sick lately, and that's took off his flesh."

"Was he your son?" asked John, in a sympathizing tone; "you must feel
quite troubled about him."

He looked askance at Mr. Mudge, enjoying that gentleman's growing
irritation.

"My son? No. Where----"

"Nephews perhaps?" suggested the imperturbable John, leisurely
continuing the manufacture of a whistle.

"No, I tell you, nothing of the kind. But I can't sit waiting here."

"Oh, I hope you'll excuse me," said John, apologetically. "I hope you
won't stop on my account. I didn't know you were in a hurry."

"Well, you know it now," said Mr. Mudge, crossly. "When and where did
you see the boy you have described? I am in pursuit of him."

"Has he run away?" inquired John in assumed surprise.

"Are you going to answer my question or not?" demanded Mr. Mudge,
angrily.

"Oh, I beg your pardon. I shouldn't have asked so many questions, only I
thought he was a nice-looking boy, and I felt interested in him."

"He's a young scamp," said Mr. Mudge, impetuously, "and it's my belief
that you're another. Now answer my question. When and where did you see
this boy?"

This time Mr. Mudge's menacing look warned John that he had gone far
enough. Accordingly he answered promptly, "He passed by our farm this
morning."

"How far back is that?"

"About three miles."

"Did he stop there?"

"Yes, he stopped a while to rest."

"Have you seen him since?"

"Yes, I saw him about half a mile back."

"On this road?"

"Yes, but he turned up the road that branches off there."

"Just what I wanted to find out," said Mr. Mudge, in a tone of
satisfaction, "I'm sure to catch him."

So saying, he turned about and put his horse to its utmost speed,
determined to make up for lost time. When he was fairly out of sight,
Paul came forth from his hiding-place.

"How could you do so!" he asked in a reproachful tone.

"Could I do what?" asked John, turning a laughing face towards Paul.
"Didn't I tell old Mudge the exact truth? You know you did turn up that
road. To be sure you didn't go two