THE troop of vagabonds turned out at early dawn, and set forward on their

March. There was a lowering sky overhead, sloppy ground under foot, and a

Winter chill in the air. All gaiety was gone from the company; some were

Sullen and silent, some were irritable and petulant, none were gentle-

Humored, all were thirsty.

The Ruffler put 'Jack' in Hugo's charge, with some brief instructions, and

Commanded John Canty to keep away from him and let him alone; he also

Warned Hugo not to be too rough with the lad.

After a while the weather grew milder, and the clouds lifted somewhat. The

Troop ceased to shiver, and their spirits began to improve. They grew more

And more cheerful, and finally began to chaff each other and insult passengers

Along the highway. This showed that they were awaking to an appreciation of

Life and its joys once more. The dread in which their sort was held was

Apparent in the fact that everybody gave them the road, and took their ribald

Insolences meekly, without venturing to talk back. They snatched linen from

The hedges, occasionally, in full view of the owners, who made no protest, but

Only seemed grateful that they did not take the hedges, too.

By and by they invaded a small farmhouse and made themselves at home

While the trembling farmer and his people swept the larder clean to furnish a

Breakfast for them. They chucked the housewife and her daughters under the