"Then you'll have to eat it, Tom," retorted Jane; "and it won't be much loss to you, either."
"Don't dispute, children," said Mrs. Walton. "I expect you both will turn over a new leaf by and by."
Meanwhile, Harry was busily reading the "Life of Franklin." The more he read, the more hopeful he became as to the future.
CHAPTER IX. LEAVING HOME
Monday morning came, and the whole family stood on the grass plat in front of the house, ready to bid Harry good-by. He was encumbered by no trunk, but carried his scanty supply of clothing wrapped in a red cotton handkerchief, and not a very heavy bundle at that. He had cut a stout stick in the woods near by, and from the end of this suspended over his back bore the bundle which contained all his worldly fortune except the twenty-five cents which was in his vest pocket.
"I don't like to have you go," said his mother, anxiously. "Suppose you don't get work?"
"Don't worry about me, mother," said Harry, brightly. "I'll get along somehow."
"Remember you've got a home here, Harry, whatever happens," said his father.
"I shan't forget, father."