For the first few moments he had no definite idea of where he meant to go. His main thought was to get away from Bill, and save Miss Holsover's treasure.
Suddenly he thought of Mr. North, and turning down the lane by the cross-roads, he walked along toward his house as swiftly as possible. That there was money in the box he held, Jesse never doubted; but what the package contained was more mysterious. There were papers, and he could feel a frame and glass. But he did not even think what it might be. He was too worn out by excitement to have any clear ideas. The road ahead of him seemed endless, and so dark that it seemed as if he could never find his way.
But happily his long walks on Miss Holsover's errands stood him in good stead. He knew all the country for miles around, and had grown fearless from habit.
As he went along he thought with a pang of his preparations to leave the farm, and that perhaps no chance would come again when he would feel courageous enough to go.
Then another thought came. Suppose Miss Holsover refused to believe that Bill had meant to rob her cupboard, and asserted that the real thief was Jesse himself? This was more than likely, and the child shuddered, thinking of the result. Well, he knew he was doing his duty.
Poor, tired little Jesse! He looked up at the dark sky, and knew that beyond it there was One who always knew. Comfort came with the thought. He pushed on bravely, holding the box and package with a firmer grasp.
Mr. North had had his supper, and was sitting at his comfortable fireside smoking his pipe, while Mrs. North, in the little inside kitchen, was making a cheerful clatter with the supper dishes.
Suddenly their attention was arrested as by something falling against the outer door.
"What's that noise?" exclaimed the old lady.