Harper's Young People, August 2, 1881 An Illustrated Weekly

In this lively tale, a scrappy eleven‑year‑old boy named Tim slips away from a harsh guardian who seems more interested in an inheritance than his welfare. With his loyal, oddly‑shaped dog Tip at his side, Tim wanders into a country store where a kindly shopkeeper offers a few dollars and a listening ear. The brief kindness sparks Tim’s determination to outrun his past and find a place where he can be a decent, honest man.

Together they set off along a winding road that leads into wooded countryside, pausing on a rock as the sun dips low. Their journey is filled with small wonders—a chance to pick berries, a brief encounter with a lion‑like shadow, and the promise of new friendships beyond the village. Listeners will be drawn into Tim’s restless spirit and Tip’s unflinching devotion as the pair begin to carve a path toward freedom.