playing against. He fails to see that each time he stoops to unfair
methods in order to gain his purpose he helps to pave the way for other
things that are wrong and deceitful.)

When the first warm days of spring arrived and the grass of the prairie
began to unfold its tiny blades, John's uncle said it was time for him
and his family to return home. "It's a long way, Will," he said; "and
we must get there in good time to plant a big crop of 'tobaker.' You
remember we didn't have near enough to do us last year!" Will agreed;
but the boys were all sorry to be separated again, and when the day of
departure came, it was very hard indeed for them to bid one another
farewell.

During the winter months John had not thought much about his aunt, for
Will and he had been too deeply interested in other things. But now at
the last moment that old longing again clutched at his heart. When he
saw them disappearing in the distance and finally lost them to view,
like a flash the desire that had so long been smoldering within his
heart was fanned, as it were, into a mighty flame, and in his mind he
resolved what he would do. "I will stay in this home no longer!" he
cried in his distress. "My father may miss me; but if I stay here,
I shall die!" and going to his father, he stated his intentions.




CHAPTER VII

Leaving Home