"Perhaps he's gone down to the pantry," said Mrs. Hopkins, suspiciously. "I'll go down and see."
She went downstairs, followed by the deacon. She instituted an examination, but found Sam guiltless of a fresh attempt upon the provision department. She went to the front door, and found it unlocked.
"He's gone out," she said.
"So he has, but I guess he'll be back to breakfast," said the deacon.
"I don't," said the lady.
"Why not?"
"Because I think he's run away."
"Run away!" exclaimed the deacon. "Why, I never had a boy run away from me."
"Well, you have now."
"Where would he go? He aint no home. He wouldn't go to the poorhouse."