"If I should be asked about you, I will not tell a lie; but I don't suppose
any one will inquire of me."

"Then why will I be sorry?"

"You'll be sorry when you're a man."

Richard White laughed aloud at the idea of his being sorry when he became a
man, for having neglected his school when a boy.

"If you are not going, I am," said William Brown, starting off and running
as fast as he could. He arrived at the door of the schoolhouse just as the
bell stopped ringing. In stopping to persuade Richard not to play truant,
he had come near being too late.

As soon as William left him, Richard White got up from the cellar door
where he had been reclining lazily, and throwing his satchel over his
shoulder, started for the woods. His books and satchel were in his way, and
rather heavy to carry about with him for six or seven hours. But he did not
think it prudent to leave them any where, for the person with whom they
were left would suspect him of playing truant, and through that means his
fault might come to the knowledge of his parents.

After thinking over this, as he went on his way, it occurred to Richard
that the satchel was as likely to betray him if carried along as if left at
some store to be called for on his return. Finally, he concluded to ask for
a newspaper at a shop.

With this he wrapped up his satchel, and taking it under his arm, went on