“My folks have been dead for some years,” said Jack, in telling his story to his companion.  “I was hired out to a farmer in the upper part of New York, but he worked me so hard and treated me so mean that I ran away.  I’ve been tramping ever since; don’t my clothes show it?  You see I was forced to go without taking my many trunks along,” and he laughed, for he was of a jolly disposition.

“My people are dead also,” said Mark.  “I had a job with a man going around the country with a traction engine, threshing wheat and oats at different farms.  But he used to beat me, so, one night, I ran away.”

“And didn’t bring any extra clothes with you, either,” put in Jack.

“I never owned any to bring.  I only had the one suit I wore.”

And after that the boys had told something of their experiences and become very friendly.

The two boys walked on for a while in silence, kicking up the dust of the country road.  Then Jack came to a halt, clapped his hand on his pocket, and said: 

“I nearly forgot I had something to eat!  Just think of it!  And I haven’t dined since yesterday!  I wonder what the lady gave me.  She looked good natured.”

He sat down on a grassy bank along the highway, pulled the package of food out, and began to eat with every indication of satisfaction.

“Bread, meat, piece of pie and a piece of cake!” he announced, looking over his lunch.  “What did you get, Mark?”

“I got the same as you, except I didn’t get any pie or cake.”

“I guess your lady hadn’t baked this week.  Never mind, you can have half my pie and half my cake.”

“I’m sure I’m much obliged,” said the thin youth.

“You needn’t be,” broke in Jack.  “That’s the law of the road.  When two—­well, I suppose I might as well say tramps, for that’s what we are—­when two tramps go off together, they whack up.  And that’s what we’re going to do!”

It did not take long for the boys to finish their simple meal.  Jack, true to his promise, shared his dessert with his companion.

“Well, I feel like going on now, and looking for a job,” remarked the heavier weighted lad.  “What do you say, Mark?”

“I guess we might as well get out of this town.  They don’t seem to care for us.  But I wish I had a drink of water.”

“Nothing easier,” replied Jack.  “There you are,” and he pointed a short distance ahead, where a brook ran along the road.  The boys got down on their faces near a little pool, the bottom of which was covered with white pebbles, and drank heartily.  Then, refreshed by the water, their hunger appeased, and rested, they started on the tramp again.

“Any particular place you want to go to?” asked Mark.

“No, I’m not particular.  East or west, the north pole or the south pole.  I haven’t any one to worry about me, no matter which way I go.  I’d a little rather go north, though, as it is mighty warm to-day,” and Jack laughed carelessly.