"And if Nason don't get you off, be here at eleven o'clock. Put on your best clothes, and take everything you want with you."
"Going to run away?"
"I didn't say so."
Ben made him promise again to be secret, and they separated. Harry had an idea of what his companion intended, and the scheme solved all his doubts. It was a practicable scheme of resistance, and he returned to the poorhouse, no longer fearful of the impending calamity.
CHAPTER III
IN WHICH HARRY LEAVES THE POORHOUSE, AND TAKES TO THE RIVER
When Harry reached the poorhouse, Mr. Nason was absent, and one of the paupers told him that he had taken the horse and wagon. He conjectured that the keeper had gone to see the other overseers, to intercede with them in his behalf. He did not feel as much interest in the mission as he had felt two hours before, for Ben Stuart had provided a remedy for his grievances, which he had fully decided to adopt.
It was nearly sunset before Mr. Nason returned; and when he came his looks did not seem to indicate a favorable issue. Harry helped him unharness the horse, and as he led him into the barn the keeper opened the subject.
"I have been to see the other overseers, Harry," he began, in tones which seemed to promise nothing hopeful.