"I can prove to you beyond a doubt that I am innocent of the crime charged upon me." "You don't look like a bad boy, I must say." "But, Mr.Ray, I'm hungry; I haven't eaten a mouthful since yesterday noon." "Thunder! You don't say so!" exclaimed Sam Ray.

"I never could bear to see a man hungry, much more a boy; so come along to my house and get something to eat, and we will talk about the other matter afterwards." Sam Ray took Bobby to the little old house in which he dwelt; and in a short time his wife, who expressed her sympathy for the little fugitive in the warmest terms, had placed an abundant repast upon the table.

Our hero did ample justice to it, and when he had finished he felt like a new creature.
"Now, Mr.Ray, let me tell you my story," said Bobby.
"I don't know as it's any use.

Now you have eat my bread and butter, I don't feel like being mean to you.

If anybody else wants to carry you back, they may; I won't." "But you shall hear me;" and Bobby proceeded to deliver his "plain, unvarnished tale." When he had progressed but a little way in the narrative, the noise of an approaching vehicle was heard.