Come, are you ready ?" "No," said Dick hoarsely, and not prepared to tell his companion that he had repented.

"How can we go now with them both somewhere about?
They would be sure to catch us and bring us back." It was a subterfuge, and Dick's face turned scarlet, as he knew by the burning sensation.

The next instant he had felt so ashamed of his paltry excuse that he blurted out: "I sha'n't go.

I'm sorry I said I would.

It's cowardly, but I don't mean to go--there!" The hot tears of vexation and misery stood in his eyes as he made this confession, and rose up prepared to resent his companion's reproaches with angry words; but he was disarmed, for Tom whispered hastily: "Oh, Dick, I am so glad! I wouldn't show the white feather and play sneak, but I didn't want to go.