Part 17 (1/2)
”What makes you jump down on me?” Jack asked piteously.
”You know mighty well. We told you what to do, an' you thought we didn't mean business. Now you'll soon find out.”
Jack hadn't the heart to hold any further conversation with his tormentor.
His only thought was to hurry on that he might be alone where the matter could be calmly discussed in his own mind, and walked swiftly away, followed by Bill's jeering words.
Now indeed he had a cup running over with sorrow. If his enemies knew of Mr. Pratt, it would not be long before that gentleman learned of his whereabouts, and it surely seemed as if the time had finally come when he must start out on the long journey, leaving behind the dearest friend he had ever met since the day when his mother crossed the dark river.
”There's no help for it,” he said resolutely, ”an' I've got to look at this thing right. Bill will tell the farmer right away, an' the sooner we leave the farther we'll be off when they come to find us.”
Thus the matter was settled in his mind that the flight should be resumed at the earliest moment it might be safe to take Louis out of doors.
CHAPTER XI.
GARDENING.
It can readily be supposed Jack was not inclined to linger on the road after this interview with Bill Dean.
That the latter would inform Farmer Pratt of his whereabouts he had no doubt, and this was a method of driving him ”out of town” for which he was not prepared.
Walking at full speed, running over the descending ground, and trying to keep on at a good pace when he ascended hills, the journey to Treat's store was accomplished in a remarkably short time.
He found many customers before him, however, and was obliged to wait until it should be his turn, although he felt quite certain every moment was precious.
It was the proprietor of the establishment, who also acted as postmaster, that waited upon him, and while weighing out the ”notions”
Aunt Nancy had sent for, the gentleman said, as if answering his own question,--
”So you've been hired by Aunt Nancy.”
”I'm stayin' there a little while, sir.”
”You are, eh? Where do you hail from?”
Jack hesitated an instant, and then replied with a forced laugh,--
”I s'pose I oughter say I belong to the farm, 'cause I haven't any other home.”
”An orphan, eh?”
”Yes, sir.”
”Where did your folks useter live?”
Jack was not aware that Mr. Treat had the name of being the most inveterate gossip in the neighborhood; but felt positive there was no good reason why he should satisfy his curiosity on this point, more particularly since, in view of Bill Dean's threats, he wished to keep as a secret everything concerning himself, therefore said with an a.s.sumption of carelessness,--
”Almost anywhere. You see I was brought up to be a sailor.”