“How far back is that?”

“About three miles.”

“Did he stop there?”

“Yes, he stopped a while to rest.”

“Have you seen him since?”

“Yes, I saw him about half a mile back.”

“On this road?”

“Yes, but he turned up the road that branches off there.”

“Just what I wanted to find out,” said Mr. Mudge, in a tone of satisfaction, “I’m sure to catch him.”

So saying, he turned about and put his horse to its utmost speed, determined to make up for lost time.  When he was fairly out of sight, Paul came forth from his hiding-place.

“How could you do so!” he asked in a reproachful tone.

“Could I do what?” asked John, turning a laughing face towards Paul.  “Didn’t I tell old Mudge the exact truth?  You know you did turn up that road.  To be sure you didn’t go two rods before turning back.  But he didn’t stop to ask about that.  If he hadn’t been in such a hurry, perhaps I should have told him.  Success to him!”

“You can’t think how I trembled when you described me so particularly.”

“You didn’t think I would betray you?” said John, quickly.

“No, but I was afraid you would venture too far, and get us both into trouble.”

“Trust me for that, Paul; I’ve got my eyes wide open, and ain’t easily caught.  But wasn’t it fun to see old Mudge fuming while I kept him waiting.  What would he have said if he had known the bird was so near at hand?  He looked foolish enough when I asked him if you were his son.”

John sat down and gave vent to his pent-up laughter which he had felt obliged to restrain in the presence of Mr. Mudge.  He laughed so heartily that Paul, notwithstanding his recent fright and anxiety, could not resist the infection.  Together they laughed, till the very air seemed vocal with merriment.

John was the first to recover his gravity.

“I am sorry, Paul,” he said, “but I must bid you good-by.  They will miss me from the house.  I am glad I have got acquainted with you, and I hope I shall see you again some time before very long.  Good-by, Paul.”

“Good-by, John.”

The two boys shook hands and parted.  One went in one direction, the other in the opposite.  Each looked back repeatedly till the other was out of sight.  Then came over Paul once more a feeling of sadness and desolation, which the high spirits of his companion had for the time kept off.  Occasionally he cast a glance backwards, to make sure that Mr. Mudge was not following him.  But Paul had no cause to fear on that score.  The object of his dread was already some miles distant in a different direction.

For an hour longer, Paul trudged on.  He met few persons, the road not being very much frequented.  He was now at least twelve miles from his starting-place, and began to feel very sensibly the effects of heat and fatigue combined.  He threw himself down upon the grass under the overhanging branches of an appletree to rest.  After his long walk repose seemed delicious, and with a feeling of exquisite enjoyment he stretched himself out at full length upon the soft turf, and closed his eyes.