But about sunset, he was sent by the superintendent's lady to deliver a note at a house in the vicinity.
"Now or never!" said Bobby to himself, after he had left the house.
"Now's my time." As he passed the gate, he secured his money, and placed it in the secret receptacle of his jacket.

After he had delivered the letter, he took the road and hastened off in the direction of the wood.

His heart beat wildly at the prospect of once more meeting his mother, after nearly four weeks' absence.

Annie Lee would welcome him; she would not believe that he was a thief.
He had been four days an inmate of the Reform School, and nothing but the hope of soon attaining his liberty had kept his spirits from drooping.

He had not for a moment despaired of getting away.
He reached the entrance to the wood, and taking a cart path, began to penetrate its hidden depths.