“I intend to,” answered Dave sturdily.
“If ever you go back, or they get you back, life will just be unbearable to you. Old Warner has branded you as a thief, and he’s mean enough to keep the advantage. Tell me, how can I help you?”
“Well, of course I’m pretty hungry,” said Dave with a laugh.
“I’ll fix that end of it,” promised Ned. “Just wait till father and the hired men get off to work in the field, and I’ll see that you get a first-class breakfast.”
Ned had to leave his friend just then, for some one was calling him from the house. A few minutes later Dave saw Mr. Towner and his hired men come to the stable, hitch up two teams and drive over beyond the trees lining the yard.
In half-an-hour Ned came up through the inside of the barn. He produced a package done up in paper, and then took two bottles from his pockets.
“Hot coffee, cold water, biscuits, some bacon, gingerbread and two hard boiled eggs,” he reported.
“Why, this is just famous,” declared Dave with zest.
“Here’s a book, too. Say, it will just suit your fancy,” added Ned, bringing the volume out from under his coat. “It’s a great story. I got it down at the library yesterday. I thought of you when I picked it out.”
“What is it called?” inquired Dave, his mouth full of good food.