Lom Runs Away. 37

out. here were a great number of people
passing up and down. Tom did not care
which way he went, as he meant to walk all
over London. Just as he was going to start,
he heard a voice close besidé him saying,
“Aren't you Master Tom?” and, turning
round, he saw the postman—the dear post-
man who had brought him a letter from his
mamma that very morning. He wished he
could say he was not Master Tom, because
he did not want to stop again.

“Isn't it Master Tom of No. 14? Are
you out by yourself ?” said the postman, sur-
prised. “Is there no one with you?”

‘Tom went quite near him, so that he could
whisper.

“Yes,” he said, “it’s me. Tl tell you, but
you mustn't tell anyone else. I’ve run away.
They don’t know where I am. They’e all
in the Square Gardens.”

“That won’t do, Master Tom,” said the
postman. ‘“ You must come back with me.
I’m going to No. 14 just now.”

“Thank you, postman,” said Tom; “but