He would have had no chance of success but for a carriage coming in the
opposite direction. It carried several ladies and the rider reined in
his horse for a chat.
Dick ran on and reached the group just as the rider was preparing to go
on again.
"You are followed," said one of the ladies softly. "I am sure this boy
wants to speak to you."
The rider looked round, and recognising Dick said, "Well, my boy, what
is it?"
"The money sir, please, you said you gave me sixpence and it was half a
sovereign. I've brought it back."
"Well done. There's one honest boy in the fair, at any rate. Take
this for your trouble, but don't spend it all on ginger bread."
"Oh, thank you, sir, I shan't spend any. I'm going to Ironboro'."
"But that is a hundred miles off, at least. Why are you going so far?"
asked the lady.
"To find my uncle and learn to be an engineer."
"H'm, a large order for a small man," said the gentleman kindly.
"Here, I'll give you a character that may help you more than money."
And tearing a leaf out of his pocket book, he wrote on it, "I have
proved the bearer to be a quick and honest boy. Dale Melville."
"There, laddie, that name is known in Ironboro', and it may do you a
good turn."
"Are you going alone?" asked the lady with white hair, who had been
listening to all that passed, and seemed amused at Dick's gratitude.
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