"You can go with me if you wish," he said. "It will be better than
staying here all alone."

But Joe declined the offer.

"I'll stay here, and begin the hunt again the first thing in the
morning," he said.

"Well, if you want anything, come and see me, Joe; won't you?"

"I will, Ned."

Ned had come over in his own boat and now Joe walked down to the lake
with him. His friend gone, the hermit's boy returned to the dilapidated
cabin.

He was hungry but he had no heart to eat. He munched some bread and
cheese which a neighbor had brought over. He felt utterly alone in the
great worlds and when he thought of this a strange feeling came over
him.

It was a bitter night for the poor boy, but when morning came his mind
was made up. He would make his own way in the world, asking aid from no
one, not even Ned.

"And if I can't find the blue box I'll get along without it," he told
himself.

As soon as it was light he procured breakfast and then started on