e Post Office was very full that morning, and the girl behind the
counter looked worried, as she tried to meet all the demands of hurried
customers.

But at last the owner of the chestnut horse got his business of money
orders and telegrams finished and came out.

"That's right, my lad; here's sixpence for your trouble," he said as he
took the reins from Dick and mounted and rode off.

"Sixpence." Another good payment for a small piece of hard work!

Dick looked down triumphantly at the coin, but his face changed in a
moment. This was no sixpence, such as he had often been entrusted with
on Mrs. Fowley's errands, but a coin of shining yellow gold.

"It's half a sovereign," he cried breathlessly, and just for one moment
the thought came, "Now I can take the train and ride to Ironboro'.
Surely ten shillings would buy a ticket for all the way."

But like a flash the temptation came and went. "Lionhearts don't
steal," he cried as he dashed down the street after the horseman
crying, "Stop! Stop!"

But the fleet and spirited horse was already far on the way, and though
Dick ran as fast as his feet could go the distance increased every
moment.

He would have had no chance of success but for a carriage coming in the
opposite direction. It carried several ladies and the rider reined in
his horse for a chat.

Dick ran on and reached the group just as the rider was preparing to go
on again.

"You are followed," said one of the ladies softly. "I am sure this boy
wants to speak to you."

The rider looked round, and recognising Dick said, "Well, my boy, what
is it?"

"The money sir, please, you said you gave me sixpence and it was half a
sovereign. I've brought it back."

"Well done. There's one honest boy in the fair, at any rate. Take
this for your trouble, but don't spend it all on ginger bread."

"Oh, thank you, sir, I shan't spend any. I'm going to Ironboro'."

"But that is a hundred miles off, at least. Why are you going so far?"
asked the lady.

"To find my uncle and learn to be an engineer."

"H'm, a large order for a small man," said the gentleman kindly.
"Here, I'll give you a character that may help you more than money."
And tearing a leaf out of his pocket book, he wrote on it, "I have
proved the bearer to be a quick and honest boy. Dale Melville."

"There, laddie, that name is known in Ironboro', and it may do you a
good turn."

"Are you going alone?" asked the lady with white hair, w