For reply the little woman patted the boy on the cheek, and then proposed the nightly search for burglars be made.
After the evening devotions Aunt Nancy gave Jack the articles he had asked for, and was considerably surprised by the warmth of the boy's good-night salute.
Once in his room, Jack set about what was for him a formidable task, and it was late before he completed the following:—
"Dear Aunt Nancy i am goin to sea the farmer & tell him you r sorry if i dont come back u will no where i am but dont fel bad four i luv u. i carnt stop to milk
"Jack Dudley ure jack dear."
When this had been done Jack looked around the little room as if taking leave of all it contained, wiped a suspicious moisture from his eyes, and then dressed, but with his shoes in his hands, crept softly down the stairs.
The ticking of the clock sounded strangely loud and unnatural; the silence, save for this clicking noise, was oppressive, and he felt as if he was about to commit some crime against the woman who had befriended him.
"It's got to be done, an' I mustn't stand here worryin' about it, or I might back out," he said to himself.
It was necessary he should think of Aunt Nancy's self accusations and sorrow before he could nerve himself to raise the window.
He took this method of departing rather than by the door, for he feared the little woman would be alarmed on learning she had remained in the house a portion of the night without every place of egress being securely fastened.
Once outside he gazed around several moments, taking in all the details of the place where he had spent so many pleasant days, and then, putting on his shoes, he started up the lane with a heart so heavy it seemed a positive burden.