can."

Under the stimulus of this inspiring motive, Mrs. Mudge bustled about
with new energy, and before many minutes the meal was in readiness.
It did not take long to dispatch it. Immediately afterwards, Mr. Mudge
harnessed up, as he had determined, and started off in pursuit of our
hero.


In the meantime the two boys had walked leisurely along, conversing on
various subjects.

"When you get to the city, Paul," said John, "I shall want to hear from
you. Will you write to me?"

Paul promised readily.

"You can direct to John Burges, Burrville. The postmaster knows me, and
I shall be sure to get it."

"I wish you were going with me," said Paul.

"Sometimes when I think that I am all alone it discourages me. It would
be so much pleasanter to have some one with me."

"I shall come sometime," said John, "when I am a little older. I heard
father say something the other day about my going into a store in the
city. So we may meet again."

"I hope we shall."