"Yes. There is nothing to connect you with the sad event."

Carl gladly left the cottage, and it was only when he was a mile on his
way that he remembered that he had not paid for his dinner, after all.



CHAPTER IX.

A PLAUSIBLE STRANGER.


Three days later found Carl still on his travels. It was his custom
to obtain his meals at a cheap hotel, or, if none were met with, at a
farmhouse, and to secure lodgings where he could, and on as favorable
terms as possible. He realized the need of economy, and felt that he was
practicing it. He had changed his ten-dollar bill the first day, for a
five and several ones. These last were now spent, and the five-dollar
bill alone remained to him. He had earned nothing, though everywhere he
had been on the lookout for a job.

Toward the close of the last day he overtook a young man of twenty-five,
who was traveling in the same direction.

"Good-afternoon," said the young man, sociably.

"Good-afternoon, sir."

"Where are you bound, may I ask?"