man or stay out in the cold all night. He saw the light of a hotel across
the street. Going there, he asked if they knew his friend; but his friend
was a stranger to them. He inquired about other hotels and rooming-houses,
and was directed to two or three, which he visited with as little success.
Standing again in the outside darkness he pondered what to do. He thought
perhaps his friend might be known at the livery stable, and going there he
asked again. The stableman knew no such a fellow, and by the flickering
lantern-light he saw the look of disappointment and concern that crossed
Austin's face.

"Where are you going to stay tonight?" he asked.

"I do not know. I have made no inquiry about it, hoping to find my friend,"
the boy replied.

"Every house in town is full; some folks will have to sit up at the hotel
for lack of a bed. I have no idea where to tell you to go." Then after a
moment's thought he added, "I could fix you a place here in the barn where
you would be comfortable, and welcome."

"Thank you, sir; but, to be honest, I have no money to pay for even that
bed," truthfully replied Austin.

"Well, a fellow can't stay out in the cold a night like this. Prepare to
roll in and maybe you will have better luck tomorrow," good-naturedly
replied the man, and taking an armful of rugs he went to an oat-bin and
spread them out and left Austin to get to rest as soon as possible.

Though this was a novel bed to the boy, and the surroundings new and
strange, so weary was he that he was soon fast asleep. It was morning when