“Yes.”

“I calculate that damage amounts to about ten dollars.  I burned down a haystack belonging to farmer Dale yesterday.  Twenty dollars, he says.  I’ve agreed to pay him, and I want you to see the school trustees to-day and explain to them that I’ll pay for the desk and the chimney.  I told Mr. Dale I would give him my note.  I can’t just now, but I will mail one, signed, to you.”

“Will Dale accept it?” asked Graham.

“Yes, if I secure it.”

“Secure it, how?”

“That’s why I came to see you,” explained Andy.  “I’ve got in my pocket a silver watch and chain and a box ornamented with gold.  They were left to me by my father.  I want you to take the articles.  Explain to Mr. Dale and the school trustees about them—­that you are to hold them for the benefit of my creditors, see?”

“That’s quite business-like, Andy.”

“I will certainly send you some money.  As soon as I do, divide it up with the school and Mr. Dale.  I will keep you posted as to my whereabouts, but keep it a secret.  Will you do all this for me?”

“Gladly, Andy.”

“Here are the things,” continued Andy, handing over the contents of his pocket.  “And thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.  You’re all right, Andy,” declared Graham in a warm, friendly way.  “I shan’t encourage you to run away from home, but I won’t try to stop you.  Have you got any money?”

“Why, no,” answered Andy.

“You wait a minute, then.”

Graham took the watch and the box and retired from the window.  As he returned he pressed a folded piece of paper between Andy’s fingers.

“Take that,” he said.

“What is it?” asked Andy.

“It’s a five-dollar bill.”

“Oh, Mr. Graham—­”

“No nonsense, Andy.  I know from practical experience what it is to start out in the world penniless.  I have the money saved up for two years’ board and schooling.  I won’t miss that little amount until way along next fall.  You will have paid it back long before that, I’ll warrant.”

“You bet I will—­and you’re awful good to me!” declared Andy heartily.

“Just one more word, Andy,” resumed Graham earnestly.  “If you are determined to be a circus tumbler, be the best or nothing.  If you like enjoyment, made it good, clean fun.  I’m not afraid of you.  I’m only giving the advice of a fellow older than you, who has learned that it pays to be right and do right in the long run.”

When Andy once more stood in the road with his royal friend’s “Good luck, old fellow!” still echoing in his ears, his heart was very full.

“It’s mighty good of him,” murmured Andy, safely stowing away the five-dollar bill.  “I’ll deserve his good opinion, see if I don’t!”

Andy walked on a mile or two further.  Climbing a fence he made a snug bed alongside a convenient haystack.

The sun was shining brightly when the lad awoke, refreshed and full of spirit and hope.  He somehow felt as though he was beginning the most eventful day of his life.