resting on tripods, especially puzzled the boy. There were also
several chests and a trunk or two.

At the other end of the car there was a cot bedstead with mattress and
bedding, a chair or two, a small table, an oil cooking stove, together
with other household paraphernalia.

The whole outfit was simple, yet complete, and did not take up much
room.

"Well," said the man, as Ralph concluded his statement, "you seem to be
an honest and a plucky lad, though an almighty green one, I guess.
Never been anywhere, you say?"

"I've hunted for miles in the mountains, and I've been to a store or
two, and to meeting, and to the 'lections. Yes, and I've been to
school three months a year ever since I was so high," Ralph indicated
the height with his hand. "But grandpa would never let me go off any
very great distance from home."

"So you finally took matters into your own hands and gave him leg bail.
Well, that ain't bad. But you mustn't go about breaking into people's
houses and cars as you did last night. It isn't safe."

"I was lost, and it began to rain. I didn't mean no harm. I can pay
my way."

He drew forth some money, under a dim idea that he had heard some one
say once, that below the mountains, folks made people pay for about
everything they got.