"Will he hold me for that loss?"
"I don't think so—you didn't run away with him—he ran away with you."
The report of the loss of Andy's valuables was thoroughly circulated around Putnam Hall and Cedarville, and a reward of ten dollars for the return of the things was posted.
The next day a farmer named John Lane, who lived not far from the school, appeared there, riding on the back of the runaway Jim. The horse looked much subdued and was covered with burrs.
"I was out in the woods with my son Bill, when we ran across the horse," explained John Lane. "I knew him right away as the animal that had belonged to Jerry Toller. I asked Jerry about it and he said he had sold the horse to you, so I brought him here."
"You are very kind, Mr. Lane," replied Captain Putnam. "I'd like to pay you for your trouble."
"Oh, that's all right, Captain Putnam," responded the farmer. "Glad to do you a good turn."
"Thank you very much. Any time I can do you a good turn, let me know."
"Well, you might buy some of my extra hay, and extra potatoes. I've got some prime hay, and the best potatoes ever grown in these parts, and I'll sell 'em at regular market prices."
"Then I'll take all I can use, Mr. Lane," answered the captain, and a little later a bargain was struck, not alone for the hay and potatoes, but also for some turnips, cabbages, and table celery.