don't need me," declared Fred Hatfield, doggedly.

"I don't believe a mother ever had so many children that she didn't
sorely miss the one who was absent," declared Mr. Cameron, quietly.
"Tell me how you came away down here,"

Brokenly the boy told his story--not an uncommon one. He had
traveled most of the distance afoot, working here and there for
farmers and storekeepers. He admitted that he had been some weeks on
the road. His being in that hollow stump in Hiram Bassett's field was
quite by accident. He was passing through the field, making for the
main road, when he had seen Ruth, Helen, and Tom, and stepped behind
the tree so as not to be observed.

"What made you so afraid of being seen by anyone?" demanded Mr.
Cameron, at this point. "Do you think your folks are trying to find
you?"

"I--I don't know," stammered the lad.

This was about all his questioner was able to get out of him.

"You'll be cared for here to-night--I'll speak to Mr. Potter," said
Mr. Cameron. "And in the morning I'll decide what's to be done with
you."

"Why, Dad! we're going----"

Tom had begun this speech when his father warned him with a look to
be still.