CHAPTER XI Edward Learns About the Life of a Thief The thieves left the barn at dawn.
Edward stood at the side of the road while some of the group broke into a farmhouse.
No one was home, so they took what they wanted.
They walked farther down the road until they found another empty house where they did the same thing.
Early that afternoon they came to a town.
The boss told Hugo to take Edward door to door while the rest of the group wandered off.
Someone went in search of food.
Others looked for more to steal.
What are you doing?
Edward asked.
We are going begging, Hugo replied.
He was walking in front of Edward.
He was tired of this boy and his strange talk.
Excuse me, Edward stopped in his tracks.
You may do as you wish, but I will not beg.
Hugo paid no attention to Edward.
He had already found their first target.
He fell to the ground, moaning and crying.
Edward was confused.
What on earth was this boy doing?
Edward looked up to see a man walking toward them.
The man stopped when he saw Hugo on the ground.
My goodness, young man, he said, what's wrong?
Oh, sir, Hugo moaned.
My brother and I were on our way home when I became ill.
Is there anything I can do, he asked.
The man knelt beside Hugo.
Could you spare a penny for some food?
Even a small morsel will make me feel better, I'm certain.
One penny, the man said.
Why, you shall have three.
He took three pennies from his pocket and handed them to Hugo.
Take these and get yourself some bread now.
Come here, boy, the man said to Edward.
Help me carry a brother to your house.
He is not my brother, Edward said.
He crossed his arms over his chest.
What?
Not your brother?
He is a beggar and a thief, Edward said.
You are both thieves, the man said.
He stood up.
Police, he called.
Someone call the police.
These two boys are trying to trick me.
One of them played six so the other could rob me.
Help!
Hugo jumped up and ran away.
He disappeared around a corner in only a few seconds.
Edward took advantage of this moment of freedom.
He turned and ran the other direction.
He knew that the police would not believe him.
Edward ran out of the town and back down the road.
He ran for as long as he could.
Luckily, he came to a farmhouse not far from town.
He thought about knocking on the door, but he felt too tired.
Edward did not want to risk more laughter or insults.
He was tired of telling the truth, only to have no one believe him.
Only Miles was on his side, and Edward had no idea how to find him.
Edward walked toward the barn.
He looked around to make sure no one was there.
It was perfectly quiet.
Edward went inside and found a place to lie down.
It felt nice and warm.
Just as Edward was about to fall asleep, he sensed something nearby.
It was large and had a strange smell.
Edward lay perfectly still.
He was terrified that this thing might notice him.
He stretched his hand out gently, but he was too frightened and quickly pulled it back.
He tried again and then again.
Finally, he reached just far enough to touch a rope.
He looked to turn and realized that it wasn't a rope at all.
It was a calf's tail.
Edward was relieved to know that this strange creature was only a calf.
He was also happy to know that he was not alone.
He felt so lonely and friendless, it was nice to have a companion.
Edward curled into the calf and fell asleep, stroking the animal's neck.
