The instinct of his being was to do every thing in a straightforward manner, and this probably prompted his decision.
"Good morning, sir," said he boldly to the man.
"Good morning.

Where are you travelling ?" This was a hard question.
He did not know where he was travelling; besides, even in his present difficult position, he could not readily resort to a lie.
"Down here a piece," he replied.
"Travelled far to-day ?" "Not far.

Good morning, sir;" and Bobby resumed his walk.
"I say, boy, suppose you tell me where you are going;" and the man came close to him, and deliberately surveyed him from head to foot.
"I can hardly tell you," replied Bobby, summoning courage for the occasion.
"Well, I suppose not," added the man, with a meaning smile.
Bobby felt his strength desert him as he realized that he was suspected of being a runaway from the Reform School.

That smile on the man's face was the knell of hope; and for a moment he felt a flood of misery roll over his soul.

But the natural elasticity of his spirits soon came to his relief, and he resolved not to give up the ship, even if he had to fight for it.
"I am in a hurry, so I shall have to leave you." "Not just yet, young man.