Wish I had a mule to len' ye." "Good-by, Charity," cried Harry.

"I'm ever so much obliged." And hurriedly searching his vest pockets, he found a ten-cent note and a few pennies, which he gave to the children, who grinned in silent delight, and then he started off on a run.
But he did not run all the way.
Before long he began to tire a little, and then he settled down into a fast walk.

He felt that he must hurry along as fast as he was able.

The fortunes of the Crooked Creek Telegraph Company depended upon him.

If the company failed in this, its first opportunity, there was no hope for it.
So on he walked, and before very long he struck the main road.