"I packed up what few things I had,
and when I saw your boat near shore, I crept aboard and hid myself
away. I easily found a place down--down cellar," he said with a smile.
"I suppose you mean in the hold, or the place below the lower deck,"
spoke Mr. Bobbsey. "Cellars on a boat are called 'holds.' Well, what
happened?"
"I--I just stayed there. I found some old bags, and made a bed on
them," Will said. "Then when my food gave out, I used to crawl out
during the nights and take some from your kitchen.
"I had some bread when I ran away," Will went on. "I took it from Mrs.
Hardee's kitchen, but they owed me money for working, and I didn't
take more bread than I ought."
"I'm sure you didn't," said Mrs. Bobbsey, kindly.
"I didn't want you to know I was on board the boat," Will resumed,
"for I was afraid you'd send me off, and I didn't want Mr. Hardee to
find me again. I was afraid he'd whip me."
"But what did you intend to do?" asked Mr. Bobbsey.
"Well, I heard you say you were going to Lake Romano," said the boy,
"and I thought I would ride as far as you went. Then I wouldn't have
so far to walk to get to my uncle out west. I'm going to him. He'll
look after me, I know. I can't stand Mr. Hardee any more."
"You poor boy. We'll help you find your uncle," said Mrs.
Pages:
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173