"Mind, of course not," said John, breaking off a liberal slice. "Why
didn't I think of that before? Walking must have given you a famous
appetite."

John looked on with evident approbation, while Paul ate with great
apparent appetite.

"There," said he with a sigh of gratification, as he swallowed the last
morsel, "I haven't tasted anything so good for a long time."

"Is it as good as Mrs. Mudge's soup?" asked John, mischievously.

"Almost," returned Paul, smiling.

We must now leave the boys to pursue their way, and return to the
dwelling from which our hero had so unceremoniously taken his departure,
and from which danger now threatened him.




IX.

A CLOUD IN THE MUDGE HORIZON.


Mr. Mudge was accustomed to call Paul at five o'clock, to milk the cows
and perform other chores. He himself did not rise till an hour later.
During Paul's sickness, he was obliged to take his place,--a thing he