Mr.Hamlin quickly followed him, unperceived, and, as he stepped into the street, gently tapped him on the shoulder.

The boy turned and faced him quickly.

But Mr.Hamlin's eyes showed nothing but lazy good-humor.
"Hullo, Bob.

Where are you going ?" The boy again looked up suspiciously at this revelation of his name.
"Home," he said, briefly.
"Oh, over yonder," said Hamlin, calmly.

"I don't mind walking with you as far as the lane." He saw the boy's eyes glance furtively towards an alley that ran beside the blacksmith's shop a few rods ahead, and was convinced that he intended to evade him there.