He had never in his whole life owned more than ten cents at a time . As he tramped along the road home , he kept his hand in his pocket , holding fast to the money , as if he feared it would otherwise dissolve into thin air . His mind was firmly made up . He would run away once and for all . This money was rightly his ; he had earned every cent of it . It would surely last him until he found employment elsewhere . At any rate , he would go ; and even if he starved , he would never come back to Aunt Harriet 's ! When he reached home , he found Mrs. Elwell in an unusual state of worry . Lige had given warning -- and this on the verge of harvest ! `` Did Stearns say anything about coming down tomorrow to pay me for your work ? '' she asked . `` No , ma'am . He did n't say a word about it , '' said Chester boldly . `` Well , I hope he will . Take yourself off to bed , Ches . I 'm sick of seeing you standing there , on one foot or t ` other , like a gander . '' Chester had been shifting about uneasily . He realized that , if his project did not miscarry , he would not see his aunt again , and his heart softened to her . Harsh as she was , she was the only protector he had ever known , and the boy had a vague wish to carry away with him some kindly word or look from her . Such , however , was not forthcoming , and Chester obeyed her command and took himself off to the garret .
Here he sat down and reflected XXXXX his plans .
As At for in of on that to until with