“I will pay you whatever you charge,” I added hastily, “and I would like to wash and brush up, too; I have had a tumble,” which was literally true.

“I can let you have dinner for twenty-five cent,” she said finally.  “I won’t charge you anything for cleaning up,” she added, with something like a smile.  “Will you mind paying in advance?”

“No, ma’am,” and I handed over the money.  “I suppose I won’t have to wait very long.”

“Oh, no, the regular boarders have just finished.  You can sit right down.”

“If you don’t mind, I’ll take a wash first.”

The woman led the way to an ante-room, in which were placed a bowl of water, towel, and soap, as well as a dust brush.  It did not take me long to fix myself up, and then I flattered myself I did not present an unbecoming appearance.

The dinner that the woman served was not as good as that which my sister Kate helped to prepare at the Widow Canby’s, but it was wholesome food, and my sharpened appetite made it disappear rapidly.

As I ate I reflected upon my situation.  For the life of me I did not know what to do next.  I longed to see my sister and tell her that I was safe.  This done, I intended to devote my time to hunting up the man who I firmly believed held my father’s reputation in his hand.  I was sure I would discover him sooner or later, and this accomplished, I would not let him out of my sight until he had confessed his secret.  I wondered if Kate had succeeded in finding that precious statement I had lost.  Heartily did I reproach myself for not having taken better care of it.

Having satisfied myself upon the substantial things set before me, I finished my meal with a small cut of apple pie.

As I was swallowing the last mouthful I glanced out of the window up the road, and gave a cry of surprise.  And no wonder, for coming toward the house was Mr. Aaron Woodward, and beside him walked John Stumpy!

CHAPTER XIII

 An interesting conversation

I could hardly believe the evidence of my senses when I saw Mr. Aaron Woodward coming up the road with John Stumpy beside him.  It would have astonished me to have seen the merchant alone, but to see him in company with the very man I was looking for was more than I had thought possible.

Yet I reflected that the tramp—­ or whatever the man was—­ had evinced a determination to secure an interview with Mr. Woodward before quitting Darbyville.  There was important business to be transacted between them.  Mr. John Stumpy intended to have his say, whatever that might mean.

What was to be done?  It would never do for me to be seen.  Nothing short of arrest would follow.  I must get out of the way as quickly as possible.

During the time I had been eating, the sky had become overcast as if a shower was imminent.  Taking advantage of this fact I rose quickly and reached for my hat.