"Yes, I do. It's the only home I have, but I would rather go without a home than to be beaten and ill-treated by Uncle Aaron."
"I commend your pluck, Sam. I can't say I think you are doing wrong."
"I have a favor to ask of you, Bob. You are my only friend."
"What is it, Sam?"
"Let me go with you to St. Louis. It would make me happy to be with you, and I should be out of my uncle's way."
Bob paused for consideration, the proposal being unexpected.
"But suppose, Sam, I am charged with abducting you?"
"I'll take all the blame. Let me hide on the ferry-boat, and I won't show myself until you've got miles away."
"That might do," said Bob, smiling. "Perhaps it isn't exactly square, but with such a man as your uncle we must make use of his own methods."
"You will take me, then?" asked Sam, eagerly.