Anger is unreasonable, and poor Tony would have fared badly, if he had fallen into Rudolph's clutches just then. It made no difference that Abner had exonerated Tony from any share in the unpleasant surprise he had met. He determined to give him a severe beating, nevertheless.
There is an old proverb: "You must catch your hare before you cook it." This did not occur to the tramp. He never supposed Tony would have the hardihood or courage to give him the slip.
The remainder of the night spent by Tony in sleeping was less pleasantly spent by Rudolph in the barn.
He meant to be up early, as he knew he was liable to arrest on account of his last night's attempt, and lie in wait for Tony, who, he supposed, would wait for breakfast.
He was right there. Tony did remain for breakfast. The farmer—Mr. Coleman—had already been informed of Rudolph's attempted burglary, and he did Tony the justice to exonerate him from any share in it.
"What are you going to do, my boy?" he asked at the breakfast table.
"I am going to set up for myself," answered Tony, cheerfully.
"That's right. Have nothing more to do with that man. He can only do you harm. Have you got any money?"
"I've got five cents."