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 on his plans . He must go that very night . When Mr. Stearns failed to appear on the morrow , Mrs. Elwell was quite likely to march up and demand the amount of Chester 's wages . It would all come out then , and he would lose his money -- besides , no doubt , getting severely punished into the bargain . His preparations did not take long . He had nothing to carry with him . The only decent suit of clothes he possessed was his well-worn Sunday one . This he put on , carefully stowing away in his pocket the precious four dollars . He had to wait until he thought his aunt was asleep , and it was about eleven when he crept downstairs , his heart quaking within him , and got out by the porch window . When he found himself alone in the clear moonlight of the August night , a sense of elation filled his cramped little heart .
He was free , and he would never XXXXX back here -- never !
Take come go got known possessed punished shifting stowing wait