THE MISSING BOOK, es” 61

for going than not go at all; but we can manage so as
not to be discovered, I know.”

“Bob Newton is going,” said Dick, “and Frank
Henley will go, and Harry Blake, and Will Foster—we
are sure of those. Will it do to ask Maurice Gray?”

“I should like much to have him, if we could per-
suade him to join us,” said Tom; but he is so very
strict, I do not think there is any use in asking him;
for we do not, of course, wish any one to know of it who
will not heartily join us.”

“Maurice is so fond of a frolic, and delights so much
in horses,” said Dick, “that we might perhaps per-
suade him to go.”

“ Don’t you believe it,” answered Tom. “He loves
fun and horses too, I know, as well as any of us; and
could he go with Mr. Harding’s permission, he would
enjoy it much; but Maurice would never run away and
go—I am certain of that.” |

“He is bold enough to do it if he choose,” said
Dick. “There is no cowardice in him. I am’‘no
coward; but I dare not act as he does in some things.
I have not the same kind of courage. There is some-
thing I cannot understand about him; but I do like
him exceedingly for all that.” |

“There will be no harm in sounding him some
time,” said Tom. “We are sure of one thing—he will
not betray us, or get us into any trouble.” |

“Our best plan,” said Dick, “I think, will be to ask