Presently his mother said: "Joel, if you'll stay and mind the house,
I'll run over to Mrs. Bean's and borrow some sugar."

His mother put on her bonnet, and started across a field to her
nearest neighbor's.

"Now's my time," thought Joel. "Mam's sure to get talkin' with
Mrs. Bean and stay half an hour or more."

He ran up the garret stairs, and drew the bolt that held Harry
captive.

"Joel, I want you to let me out of this place."

"Oh, gracious!" exclaimed Joel, in apparent dismay. "Dad would give me
the wu'st kind of a lickin'."

"Would he know how I got out?" asked Harry.

"I don't know. What are you willing to give?"

Harry saw that it was merely a matter of bargaining, and finally
prevailed upon Joel to release him for a five-dollar bill.

"I want the money now," said Joel.

"How do I know that you will do as you have agreed?"

"Give me the money, and I'll tell you."