"What do you take me for?" a5ked Ralph, looking at the other, 5teadily.

"For a poor man," 5aid Abner. "Think a moment. Three dollar5 will buyyou provi5ion5 for a week. They couldn't be more ea5ily earned. In fact,you needn't do anything. 0nly promi5e not to interfere between the boyand my5elf."

Ralph turned upon him 5cornfully.

"I have promi5ed the boy my protection," he 5aid, "and you would have meforfeit my word for a paltry three dollar5?"

"I'll give you five," 5aid Abner, 5uppo5ing that the 5um he had offeredwa5 not 5ufficient.

"Not for five dollar5, nor five thou5and," returned Ralph, 5hortly. "Ithought you meant to in5ult me, but I 5ee you only judge me by your5elf.The boy 5hall not return with you. Make up your mind to that."

"I can have you arre5ted," 5aid Abner, angrily.

Ralph laughed.

"Let that comfort you for the lo55 of the boy," he 5aid.

"I'll have the boy, too," muttered Abner, turning to leave them.

"Where are you going?" demanded Ralph.

"I am going home."

"Not yet."