I fired at the tiger with it, but I didn't hurt him much," remarked Tom with a laugh.
"Well, tigers aren't the only creatures you've got to look out for in these times.

There are plenty of people that would break into your house and murder you and your mother and aunt for the sake of that money." Tom blanched a little at these words, and one of the bystanders said,-- "I don't think we have such people about here, Uncle Jed." "I hope not, but you can't be too careful; I've been robbed myself when I hadn't any more thought of it than that boy there." Had Tom Gordon been a few years older or younger he would have acted differently; that is to say he would have returned home without delay.

But he did not wish to appear frightened by the words of the old gentleman; and, though he was eager to hurry home to his mother and aunt with the good news, he remained talking with his friends and trying to act as though he had forgotten about his great fortune, until the long summer day ended and twilight began closing in.

Then when he started, he looked around to see whether any one was going in the same direction.

He would have been glad of company, but it so happened that he set out alone in the gathering gloom to walk the mile that must be passed before he could reach his home.
"I wish Uncle Jed hadn't said what he did," he mused, when fairly beyond the town, "it makes me feel kind of pokerish; why didn't I think to bring my gun along?
If the folks he talks about would rob our house they would stop me on the road and take the money from me." He walked faster as the darkness increased, for the moon would not rise for some time to come, glanced often behind him, and essayed a timid whistle.