The Young Outlaw or, Adrift in the Streets

ching. When he was left to himself, he was sure to shirk his work, and indulge his natural love of living at ease. His appetite showed no signs of decre

few living boys could expect to attain it. He must have an old head on young shoulders, and in fact be an angel in all respects except the wings. On these Mrs. Hopkins pr

she said more than once. "He's the most shif'less

ger," said the deacon. "He aint ha

Sam still continued a memb

of trudging after the deacon up and down the fields in the warm summer days. Even his meals did not yield unmingled satisfaction, as he had learned from experience that Mrs. Hopkins did

any at the village store. Here it was that he met a youth who was destined to exercise an important influence upon his career. This was Ben Barker, who had for a few months filled a position in a small retail store in New York city. Coming home, he found himself a great man. Country boys have generally a great curiosity about life in the great cities, and are eager to interview any one who can giv

y as a thousand houses

e

ed Ben, in derision.

nes

s and miles. There's abou

ully big. I'd l

temptuously. "It wouldn'

y n

n't get al

t?" said Sam, rather net

greenhorn. You'd get t

ld," said Sam. "I aint

potatoes," said Ben, disparagingly. "It ta

n you had to come

aid Ben. "I shan't stay long in

w York?" asked S

hundre

ost much t

llars by

n't so v

to pay your expenses

uld w

u might, perhaps, blac

rk

t for doing that?" a

ive cents, s

t better th

you," said Ben, t

ing when you were

dry goods store," said Ben,

a good

, or I wouldn't h

de you l

the doctor told me I must have rest. When th

none was expressed. Considering Ben's large claims, it was surprising that his services were not sought by lead

uthful fancy. There was one drawback, however, and that a serious one,-the lack of funds. Though the deacon supplied him with board, and would doubtless keep him in wearing apparel, there was no hint or intimation of any further compensation for his services, and Sam's whole available money capital at this moment amounted t

avored his bold des

om a neighboring town, who was driving by, reined up his

s,

going h

s,

ote for him. Will you t

s,

lf, but I haven't

I'll give

re's money in it," said the ma

cted Sam's attention, a

ght to himself. "I wish it was mine. I coul

inent in his mind, Sam

e knitting, but the dea

he deacon?"

aid Mrs. Hopkins. "Di

aid Sam

o late, as I was tellin' the deacon to-night. Boys like you ought

now," said Sam, taking

mind you get up ear

wer, for he was

lope was not very securely fastened and came open. Sam could not resist the temptation presented, and drew out

a lot of money! If it was only mine