The rumbling noise grew more distinct. It was a heavy wagon, heavily loaded, and approached very slowly; but at last it reached the spot where the impatient boy was waiting.
"Whoa!" said the driver; and the horses stopped.
Harry's heart bounded with joy. Some lucky accident had detained the team, and he had regained his opportunity.
"John Lane!" replied Harry, as he leaped over the fence.
"I am; but I was sure you had gone. It is after three o'clock."
"I know it. I don't generally get off much before this time," answered John. "Climb up here, and let us be moving on."
It was a large wagon, with a sail-cloth cover--one of those regular baggage wagons which railroads have almost driven out of existence in Massachusetts. It was drawn by four horses, harnessed two abreast, and had a high "box" in front for the driver.
Harry nimbly climbed upon the box, and took his seat by the side of John Lane--though that worthy told him he had better crawl under the cover, where he would find plenty of room to finish his nap on a bale of goods.
"I thought likely I should have to go up to the cabin and wake you. Julia told me I must, if you were not on the spot."
"I am glad I have saved you that trouble; but Julia said you would start at two o'clock."
"Well, I get off by two or three o'clock. I don't carry the mail, so I ain't so particular. What do you mean to do when you get to Boston?"
John Lane questioned the little wanderer, and drew from him all the incidents of his past history. He seemed to feel an interest in the fortunes of his companion, and gave him much good advice on practical matters, including an insight into life in the city.
"I suppose Squire Walker would give me fits, if he knew I carried you off. He was over to Rockville yesterday looking for you."
"I hope not, my boy; though I don't know as I should have meddled in the matter, if Julia hadn't teased me. I couldn't resist her. She is the best little girl in the world; and you are a lucky fellow to have such a friend."
"I am; she is an angel;" and when Harry began to think of Julia, he could not think of anything else, and the conversation was suspended.
It was a long while before either of them spoke again, and then John advised Harry to crawl into the wagon and lie down on the load. Notwithstanding his agreeable thoughts, our hero yawned now and then, and concluded to adopt the suggestion of the driver. He found a very comfortable bed on the bales, softened by heaps of mattings, which were to be used in packing the miscellaneous articles of the return freight.