"
"Really? Honest?"
"Yes, really I do. I want a good boy who will obey me and my wife, and I
have an idea that you may suit."
"I'll try to, sir."
"Then jump into that boat and help us fish and I'll take you home with
me to-night."
Sam cast a farewell glance at his raft, just then floating out of sight.
He had nothing else to take leave of, and no further arrangements to
make; no packing to do and no baggage to carry. He had simply himself
and the few clothes he wore. At evening he went home with Mr. Hobart in
the most matter-of-course way. When the load of fishermen drew up at the
barn-door he jumped out and began to unhitch as though that had been his
lifelong work.
Mrs. Hobart, coming out to give a welcome to the chattering group,
appeared rather puzzled as she counted heads in the twilight. Mr. Hobart
enjoyed the surprise which he had been expecting.
"Yes, wife," said he aside, answering her thoughts, "I took out six this
morning and I've brought back seven to-night. We've been for a day's
fishing, you know, and I rather guess I've caught something more
valuable than bass or perch, though they're good enough in their way."
"Where did you find him?" asked Mrs. Hobart.
"Sitting on a raft out on the lake."
"He's a poor, homeless fellow, and I reckon that there's room in our
house for one of Christ's little ones. Isn't that so, wife?"
"Yes, Reuben, it is."
"Then we'll do the best we can for this young chap.
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