o Jet's expectations, he did not leap over the barrier.

"I don't reckon there's any use waiting longer for him. It will be
better to take my chances of fighting among the trees than to stay
until those fellows come out."

With this thought in his mind Jet started at a rapid pace through the
woods, exerting himself to the utmost to keep ever before him the
direction of the morning's journey.

The bread and bacon he had put in his pocket before attempting the
escape, and now as he made his way through the underbrush he ate
leisurely, for strength was the one thing needful for the successful
completion of the task, and to retain this, food was essential.

More than once he fell over the trunk of a tree, or was thrown by the
vines which caught his feet as in a snare; but each time he arose to
his feet undismayed, and the weary tramp was continued without a halt
until considerably past midnight, when he had arrived at the railroad
track.

With plenty of money in his pocket there was no thought of walking any
farther than necessary, and Jet's only desire was to find a depot.

By continuing on half an hour longer in a direction opposite the one
taken by him when he met the three apparent tramps, the boy found that
for which he sought.

The night train would be along in ten minutes, so the station-agent
said, and Jet bought a ticket for Albany.

He had been tempted to change one of the ten-dollar bills for this
purpose; but decided not to do so after realizing that it might be
imprudent to display so much money.

Of the amount given him by the manager of the minstrel company he had
enough left to pay for a passage and purchase something to eat in the
morning, consequently there was no necessity of using that which he had
found.

Of the journey to Albany he knew absolutely nothing.

The long tramp had given him an overpowering desire for sleep, and the
soft seat was rest-inviting, therefore in less than five minutes from
the time he boarded the train his eyes were closed in slumber.

On arriving at his destination one of the brakemen awakened him with a
vigorous shaking, which would have done credit to a giant's strength,
and he went out in the early morning air decidedly refreshed.

His plans had all been laid during the tramp through the woods, and he
knew exactly what to do.

First breakfast was necessary, and this important duty he attended to
without delay, spending therefor the last of his change.

It