"About five years," was the answer. "Father and mother went about the same time. They were poor, and I had no brothers or sisters. When I was all alone," the boy's voice trembled a bit, "I didn't know what to do. They wanted to send me to the poor-house, but I ran away. Then, after knocking about a bit, I got the job with the traction engine man, until he used me so I couldn't stand it." "That's about my case," said Jack. "I had a brother, and he ran away before my folks died. I guess they felt bad about him. Anyhow, mother used to cry an awful lot. When I was left all alone I was taken care of by some poor folks, who kept me as long as they could. Then I had to shift for myself. I had a good many jobs, and then I thought I'd like to be a farmer. I was sent to a place but the man wasn't very kind. He whipped me because I made a mistake and pulled up an onion instead of a weed. Then he beat me because I gave the horse too many oats. He never told me how much to give. So I ran away, and I'm glad of it. I've been cold and hungry lots of times since, but I haven't been whipped." "I guess that old constable would have licked us if he had the chance," put in Mark. "No use worrying over that. He's a good many miles away now." "Here! What are you boys doing there?" cried a voice. Jack and Mark looked up, to see a brakeman gazing down at them from the top of a box car. "We're taking a ride," answered Jack coolly. "So I see," replied the brakeman. "Well, I guess it will come to an end right now. Hop off!" "Are you the conductor?" asked Jack. "No, of course not," said the wheel-twister. "Then don't try to put us off," went on the boy, with an assumed haughty air. "Just send the conductor here to punch our tickets. We're traveling first class, and don't want to be disturbed any more than is necessary." "Well, I like your nerve!" exclaimed the brakeman, climbing down. "Who are you, anyhow?" The railroad man laughed. Then Jack smiled, for he knew he and his companion were safe. In a few words he told their stories, and the brakeman promised they might go as far as the train went. "You boys are all right," said the brakeman. "I have two youngsters of my own at home, and I hope, if ever they get in a tight place, some one will help them. Can I do anything to fix you up?" "Not unless you can lend us about one thousand dollars each," laughed Jack, and the brakeman joined in with him. "Or tell us where we can get work," put in Mark, who seemed quite worried. "I can't say for sure where you can get jobs," the brakeman said, "but if I was in your place I'd get off at the next town. The name of it is Millville, and there are lots of factories there. Maybe you can strike something. I'll speak to the conductor and have him ask the engineer to slow up so you can jump off." "We'd be obliged if you would," Jack said. "We may be tramps for a while, but we're both anxious to get work, and maybe Millville will be just the place for us."