"You can settle up with me to-morrow," said Farmer Goodall. "I want to get home now and tell Dora how John got away," and so they separated.
It must be admitted that Robert's heart was heavy when he walked to the Cabe boarding house.
"I've made a bad mess of it," he told himself. "Perhaps Mrs. Vernon will not like it at all. Who knows but what she may discharge me for what has happened."
CHAPTER XXVI.
IN CHICAGO ONCE MORE.
Mrs. Vernon was sitting up waiting for Robert's return. She at once saw by his face that something was wrong.
"How did you get hurt?" she cried, as she noticed the court-plaster on his forehead.
"It's a long story, Mrs. Vernon," he answered, as he dropped into a chair. "I'm afraid you will be very angry when I tell you all."
"Why, Robert, what has happened?"
"I allowed your nephew to slip through my fingers."