He inquired the way to Dr. Stone’s.  Everybody knew where the doctor lived, and he had no trouble in securing the information he sought.  Indeed, before he reached the house, he caught sight of Abner, walking in the same direction with himself, but a few rods ahead.

He quickened his pace, and laid his hand on the boy’s shoulder.

Abner turned, and an expression of dismay overspread his face.

“Ha, my young friend!  I see that you remember me,” said Ford, ironically.

“Well, what do you want?” asked Abner, sullenly.

“You know well enough.  I want the boy you have persuaded to run away with you.”

“I didn’t persuade him.”

“Never mind about quibbling.  I know where the boy is, and I mean to have him.”

“Do you want me, too?”

“No; I don’t care where you go.”

“I reckon Herbert won’t go with you.”

“And I reckon he will.  That is Dr. Stone’s, isn’t it?  Never mind answering.  I know well enough it is.”

“He’ll have bub sure,” said Abner, disconsolately.  “But I’ll follow ’em, and I’ll get him away, as sure as my name’s Abner Barton.”

CHAPTER XXXVIII

FORD TAKES A BOLD STEP, BUT FAILS

“I wish to see Miss Stone,” said Willis Ford, to the servant.

“I’ll tell her.  What name shall I say?”

“Never mind about the name.  I wish to see her on business of importance.”

“I don’t like his looks,” thought the maid.  “Shure he talks as if he was the boss.”

She told Miss Stone, however, that a gentleman wished to see her, who would not tell his name.

Miss Stone was in Herbert’s chamber, and the boy—­now nearly well, quite well, in fact, but for a feeling of languor and weakness—­heard the message.

“What is he like?” he asked, anxiously.

“He’s slender like, with black hair and a black mustache, and he talks like he was the master of the house.”

“I think it is Willis Ford,” said Herbert, turning pale.

“The man who abducted you?” ejaculated Miss Stone.

“Yes, the same man.  Don’t let him take me away,” implored Herbert.

“I wish my brother were here,” said Miss Stone, anxiously.

“Won’t he be here soon?”

“I am afraid not.  He has gone on a round of calls.  Bridget, tell the young man I will be down directly.”

Five minutes later Miss Stone descended, and found Willis Ford fuming with impatience.

“I am here, sir,” she said, coldly.  “I understand you wish to see me.”

“Yes, madam; will you answer me a few questions?”

“Possibly.  Let me hear what they are.”

“You have a boy in this house, named Herbert Reynolds?”

“Yes.”

“A boy who ran away from Mr. Joel Barton, with whom I placed him?”

“What right had you to place him anywhere, Mr. Ford?” demanded the lady.