It is more than probable he would have returned home without waiting for the morning, had such a thing been possible; but since that could not be, the only place of refuge was Baker’s Court, which point he wished to gain at the earliest convenient hour.
So impatient was he that it seemed a long while before his friends were ready to separate for the night; and once alone with Tom and Bob, he urged them to make all speed toward the court.
“Why, it looks like as if you was still ’fraid of bein’ ’rested,” Tom said laughingly.
“Well, I am,” was the candid reply. “You see, I never thought anything like that could happen, an’ now I’ve had such good proof, it don’t seem safe to stay out on the street. Besides, I’m tired, an’ the sooner we go back the sooner we’ll get to bed.”
Bob and Tom did not delay after understanding how their friend felt; and, half an hour later, the three were in the tiny chamber at Baker’s Court, Josiah congratulating himself over and over again upon the fact that this was the last night he would be obliged to remain in the city.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE COUPON.
Mrs. Bartlett had not yet called the boys to breakfast, when Master Foss and his companions of the previous day arrived at the court to escort Josiah to the ferry where he was to meet his father.
“You see, I was ’fraid you fellers might take Josiah off where we couldn’t find you, if we waited much longer,” Bill said when Tom explained why he could not invite the party into the house.
“But he ain’t thinkin’ of goin’ home till night,” Master Bartlett replied in surprise.
“I know that; but we wanter go down to the ferry with him. You know a lot of us are countin’ on visitin’ his farm next summer, an’ it won’t do any harm if we see the old man.”