Robert thought on the whole it would be prudent to avoid trouble by keeping on as good terms as possible with the man. "I can't tell you," he said, "for I don't know myself. I expect to keep on till I get to New York." "That's where I'm goin'! Suppose we keep company," said the man with a grin. "We can keep company for the present, if you wish," answered Robert, trying to repress his disgust. "Look here, young fellow! Have you got any money?" asked the tramp with a sidelong glance. Robert was not surprised at this inquiry, for he had expected it, but in spite of his courage it alarmed him, for he could see that he was no match in physical strength for this ill-looking man. "A little!" he answered. "How much?" "That's my business," answered Robert, provoked. "I don't ask how much money you've got." "I haven't a cent," said the tramp, "but," he added, significantly, "I'm going to have some soon." The look which accompanied this declaration made it evident what he meant, and Robert looked about to see what chance he had of escape if the worst came to the worst. As to surrendering the $20 for which he had been indebted to the generosity of Miss Stratton, he had no intention of doing it, unless it should be absolutely necessary. "I have nothing to do with your affairs," said Robert. "If you'll let me know which way you are going, I'll go the other way." "Will you so? No, boy, you don't get rid of me so easily. We're goin' the same way. If you want to leave you can, but you must hand over your money first." "Are you a thief, then?" demanded Robert, quickly. "No; and you'd better not call me so. I'm only goin' to borrer your money; I'll give you my note for it," returned the tramp with a cunning grin. "I decline to lend," said Robert stoutly. "Look here, my young chicken!" said the man in a menacing tone. Ain't you crowin' rather too loud for a bantem? Do you know who I am?" "No, but I can guess." "Guess, then?" "You're a man whose company I do not like." The tramp laughed. Instead of offending, the reply appeared to amuse him. "That's true enough, I reckon. Well, I'm a man that don't stand no nonsense. I want your money." He advanced towards Robert in a menacing manner, and our hero, who had been looking about him, jumped aside nimbly, and seizing the branch of a tree swung himself up into the branches, before his companion clearly understood his intention. "Oh, that's your game, is it?" he said, angrily. "It won't do!" He darted forward, but Robert bad been too quick for him, and was already out of reach. He was light and agile by nature, and his training in the ring had helped to make him more so. "So you think you've escaped me, do you?" he demanded with an oath. Robert did not answer, but looked calmly down upon him from the tree. "Come down at once!" "Thank you; I'd rather stay here," said our hero calmly. Without a word the tramp made an effort to follow Robert up the tree. CHAPTER XXX. THE TREE OF REFUGE.