“I am glad to hear that. I shan’t have to say now that my father is in jail. Good-by, Mr. Hayden.”
“Good-by,” said Ben, following the boy thoughtfully with his eyes, till he had disappeared.
With a light heart, and a pocket still lighter, Tony walked on for several miles. Then he stopped at a country grocery store, and bought five cents’ worth of crackers. These he ate with a good appetite, slaking his thirst at a wayside spring.
He was lying carelessly on the greensward when a tin peddler’s cart drove slowly along the road.
Hello, there!” said the peddler.
Hello!” said Tony.
Do you want a lift?”
“Yes,” said Tony, with alacrity.
Then get up here. There’s room enough for both of us. You can hold the reins when I stop anywhere.”
“It’s a bargain,” said Tony.