erin' after livin' on a farm, even if Pip Smith does think it's
sich a soft snap."

Then the friends of the fugitives returned to the ferry-boat, in order
that they might without delay make a report to those acquaintances
whom they knew would be eagerly waiting, as to how Seth had fared at
the outset of his flight.

CHAPTER II.

THE COUNTRY.

SETH had little idea as to the direction he had taken, save that the
street led straight away from the water, and surely he must come into
the country finally by pursuing such a course.

Neither time nor distance gave him relief of mind; it was much as if
flight served to increase the fear in his mind, and even after having
come to the suburbs of the city he looked over his shoulder
apprehensively from time to time, almost expecting to see the officers
of the law in hot pursuit.

If it had been possible for Snip to understand the situation fully, he
could not have behaved with more discretion, according to his master's
views.

Instead of begging to be let down that he might enjoy a frolic on the
green grass, he remained passive in Seth's arms, pressing his nose up
to the lad's neck now and then as if expressing sympathy. The little
fellow did not so much as whine when they passed rapidly by a
cool-looking, bubbling stream, even though his tongue was lolling out,
red and dripping with perspiration; but Seth understood that his pet
would have been much refreshed with a drink of the running water, and
said, in a soothing, affectionate tone:

"I don't dare to stop yet a while, Snippey dear, for nobody knows how
near the officers may be, and you had better go thirsty a little
longer, than be kicked out into the street when I'm locked up in
jail."

A big lump came into the fugitive's throat at the picture he had
drawn, and the brook was left far behind before he could force it down
sufficiently to speak.

Then the two were come to a small shop, in the windows of which were
displayed a variety of wares, from slate pencils to mint drops, and
here Seth halted irresolutely.

He had continued at a rapid pace, and fully an hour was passed since
he parted from his friends. He was both hungry and weary; there were
but few buildings to be seen ahead, and, so he argued with himself,
this might be his last opportunity to purchase anything which would
serve as food until he was launched into that wilderness known to him
as "the country."

No person could be seen in either d