In a moment the vehicle was within a short distance of them, and he stopped short in the road to scrutinize the persons in it.
"By jolly!" exclaimed Tom; "my father!" "What of it ?" asked Bobby, surprised by the strange behavior of his companion.
Tom did not wait to reply, but springing over the fence, fled like a deer towards some woods a short distance from the road.
Was it possible?
Tom had run away from home.

His father had not consented to his going to Boston, and Bobby was mortified to find that his hopeful disciple had been lying to him ever since they left Riverdale.

But he was glad the cheat had been exposed.
"That was Tom with you--wasn't it ?" asked Mr.Spicer, as he stopped the foaming horse.
"Yes, sir; but he told me you had consented that he should go with me," replied Bobby, a little disturbed by the angry glance of Mr.Spicer's fiery eyes.
"He lied! the young villain! He will catch it for this." "I would not have let him come with me only for that.

I asked him twice over if you were willing, and he said you were." "You ought to have known better than to believe him," interposed the man who was with Mr.Spicer.
Bobby had some reason for believing him.

The fact that Tom had reformed ought to have entitled him to some consideration, and our hero gave him the full benefit of the declaration.