the company failed in this, its first opportunity, there was no hope for
it.

So on he walked, and before very long he struck the main road. Here he
thought he should be able to get along faster, but there was no
particular reason for it. In fact, the open road was rather rougher than
that through the woods. But it was cooler here than under the heavy,
overhanging trees.

And now Harry first noticed that the sun was not shining. At least, it
was behind the western hills. It must be growing very late, he thought.

On he went, for a mile or two, and then it began to grow dusky. Night
was surely coming on.

At a turn in the wood, he met a negro boy with a tin bucket on his head.
Harry knew him. It was Tom Haskins.

"Hello, Tom!" said Harry, stopping for a moment; "I want you."

"What you want, Mah'sr Harry?" asked Tom.

"I want you to come to Aunt Judy's cabin and carry some messages over to
Hetertown for me."

"When you want me?" said Tom; "to-morrer mornin'?"

"No; I want you to-night. This minute. I'll pay you."

"To-night?" cried the astonished Tom. "Go ober dar in de dark! Can't do