“Ef you want to ride, I'll give you a lift for a few miles.” “Thank you,” said Abner, prompt to accept the offer. “I'll help you in, bub.” The two boys took their seats beside the driver, Herbert being in the middle. The little boy was really tired, and he found it very pleasant to ride, instead of walking. He had walked seven miles already, and that was more than he had ever before walked at one time. They rode about three miles, when the driver pulled up in front of a comfortable-looking house. “This is where I stop,” he said. “My aunt lives here, and my sister has been paying her a visit. I've come to take her home.” The front door was opened, and his aunt and sister came out. “You're just in time for breakfast, John,” said his aunt. “Come in and sit down to the table. Bring in the boys, too.” “Come in, boys,” said the young man. “I guess you can eat something, can't you?” “We've had---” Herbert began, but Abner checked him. “Come along, bub,” he said. “What's a bit of bread? I ain't half full.” CHAPTER XXIV -- MRS. BARTON'S SURPRISE A hearty breakfast, consisting of beefsteak, potatoes, corn bread, fresh butter and apple sauce, made Abner's eyes glisten, for he had never in his remembrance sat down at home to a meal equally attractive. He wielded his knife and fork with an activity and energy which indicated thorough enjoyment. Even Herbert, though in the city his appetite had been delicate, and he had already eaten part of a loaf of bread, did excellent justice to the good things set before him. He was himself surprised at his extraordinary appetite, forgetting the stimulating effect of a seven-mile walk. After breakfast they set out again on their tramp. At sunset, having rested several hours in the middle of the day, they had accomplished twenty miles. Abner could have gone further, but Herbert was well tired out. They obtained permission from a friendly farmer to spend the night in his barn, and retired at half-past seven. Mr. Reynolds would have been shocked had he known that his little son was compelled to sleep on a pile of hay, but it may truthfully be said that Herbert had seldom slept as soundly or felt more refreshed. “How did you sleep, Abner?” he asked. “Like a top. How was it with you, bub?” “I didn't wake up all night,” answered the little boy. “I wonder what dad and marm thought when they found us gone?” said Abner, with a grin. “Won't they feel bad?” “Not much,” said Abner. “They ain't that kind. I reckon it won't spoil their appetite.” When they descended from the haymow, the farmer was milking his cows. “Well, youngsters,” he said, “so you're up and dressed?” “Yes, sir.” “And ready for breakfast, I'll be bound.” “I reckon I should feel better for eatin',” said Abner, promptly. “Jest you wait till I get through milkin', and we'll see what Mrs. Wiggins has got for us.” Abner heard these words with joy, for he was always possessed of a good appetite.