“He must have took the money when I fell from the tree,” thought Joel, crestfallen. “He’s served me a mean trick. Won’t I tell dad, though, and get him into trouble? Oh, no!” Meanwhile Harry, not knowing how narrowly he had escaped being robbed, pursued his way to the railway. “If I were only in my old home,” he thought, “I would ask Mr. Howard to take care of it for me. Then I should know it was all right.” He thought of the president of the railroad, to whom he was principally indebted for the money. “If I could only see him,” he thought, “I would ask him to take care of it for me.” What was his surprise, when, on reaching the depot, the first person on whom his eyes fell was the very gentleman of whom he was thinking. “How do you do, sir?” said Harry, politely. “Ah, my young friend that saved the train!” said the president cordially. “I hope you haven’t spent the money you received on riotous living.” “No. Will you take care of it for me? I don’t want to spend it, and I am afraid of losing it.” “Well, my boy, if you really desire it, I will take the money.” “I shall regard it as a very great favor.” No sooner said than done. They went into the depot and Harry, counting out two hundred and fifty dollars, passed it over to the president. He made out a brief receipt, signing it, “Thomas Conway, President of the Craven County Railroad,” and Harry pocketed it with a feeling of relief. While he was standing in front of the depot waiting for the arrival of the eight-thirty train, Joel came up. “Goin’ a-travelin’?” asked Joel, with a grin. “Not this morning.” “I wish I had a hundred dollars!” continued Joel, surveying Harry sharply. “I’d make a journey out West. Say, Harry, did you ever have a hundred dollars in your pocket?” “Yes.” “Maybe you’ve got it now?” “Where should I get it?” demanded Harry. “I do’no. Jest empty your pockets, and le’me see how much you’ve got.” “Thank you; I don’t see any use in it,” said Harry. “You dassent!” “Very well! Call it that.” “Joel’s been spying on me. He must have seen me on the hill,” concluded Harry. “It’s well I gave most of my money to Mr. Conway.” CHAPTER V MR. FOX LEARNS HARRY’S SECRET Harry had acted none too soon. It happened that his secret had been discovered not only by Joel, but by Joel’s father, that very morning. About ten o’clock Mr. Fox had occasion to go to the village. In the post office he met an acquaintance from a neighboring town, with whom he passed the usual compliments. “By the way, Fox,” said his friend, “I had a narrow escape the other day.” “What was it, Pearson?” “Came near being smashed up on the railroad. There would have been an end to us, but for a brave boy, who signaled the train in time.” “That boy was my ward,” said John Fox, complacently. “You don’t say so! Well, he was a lucky chap.” “I don’t think so. He didn’t get much for his bravery.” “I don’t see how you can say that. How much money did he get?”