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Eben felt that he had no excuse for staying longer, and reluctantly rose.

β€œIf you should think better of what I've proposed,” he said, β€œyou can let me know.”

β€œI will do so,” said Melville.

β€œHe's rather a queer young man,” muttered Eben, as he descended the stairs. β€œIt's funny that he should prefer a country boy like Herbert to a young man like me who's seen life, and got some city polishβ€”at the same price, too! He don't seem to see his own interest. I'm sorry, for it would have been a good deal more interesting to me, going round with him a few hours a day, than tending store for father. There's one thing sure, I won't do it long. I'm fitted for a higher position than that, I hope.”

β€œFor downright impudence and cool assurance, I think that young man will bear off the palm,” thought George Melville, as his unwelcome visitor left the room. β€œHerbert is in no danger from him. It would probably surprise him if he knew that I should consider his company as an intolerable bore. I will tell Herbert to-morrow the good turn his friend has tried to do him.”





CHAPTER IX. THE SOLITARY FARMHOUSE.

If Eben had been sensitive, the cool reception which he met with at the hands of Mr. Melville would have disturbed him. As it was, he felt angry and disappointed, and desirous of β€œcoming up with” Herbert, as he expressed it, though it was hard to see in what way the boy had injured him. It did not seem quite clear at present how he was to punish Herbert, but he only waited for an occasion.

When Herbert learned, the next morning, from Mr. Melville, in what manner Eben had tried to undermine him, and deprive him of his situation, he was naturally indignant.

β€œI didn't think Eben Graham could be so mean,” he exclaimed.

β€œIt was certainly a mean thing to do, Herbert,” said George Melville; β€œbut you can afford to treat young Graham with contempt, as he has been unable to do you any injury.”

β€œWhat shall we do this morning, Mr. Melville?” asked Herbert.

β€œI should like a row on the river,” said Melville. β€œDo you know of any boat we can have?”

β€œWalter Ingalls has a boat; I think we can hire that.”

β€œDo you know him?”

β€œYes, sir.”

β€œThen you may go and ascertain whether we can have it, or I will go with you to avoid loss of time.”

The boat was readily loaned, and the two were soon on the river. Mr. Melville first took the oars, but he was quickly fatigued, and resigned them to Herbert, who was strong and muscular for his age. As his companion observed his strong and steady strokes, he said:

β€œHerbert, I am disposed to envy you your strength and endurance. I get tired very easily.”

β€œWere you not strong when a boy?” asked Herbert.

β€œI never had much endurance. My mother had a feeble constitution and was consumptive, and I inherit something of her weakness.”

β€œIt is fortunate that you have money, Mr. Melville, so that you are not obliged to work.”

β€œTrue; but I would give half my fortune to be strong and well.”

Herbert noticed the hectic flush upon Mr. Melville's cheeks, and his white, transparent hands, and his sympathy was aroused.

β€œI see,” he said, thoughtfully, β€œthat I am more fortunate than I thought in my health and strength.”

β€œThey are blessings not to be overestimated, Herbert. However, my lot is, on the whole, a happy one, even though my life will probably be brief, and I have still many sources of satisfaction and enjoyment.”

The river led away from the village, flowing between wooded banks, with here and there a cottage set in the midst of the fields. Lying back in the stern, Melville enjoyed their tranquil passage, when their attention was suddenly attracted by a boy who stood on the bank, frantically waving his hat. Melville was the first to see him.

β€œWhat can that boy want?” he asked.

Herbert immediately looked around, and exclaimed in surprise:

β€œIt's Tom Tripp!”

β€œRow to shore, and see what he wants,” said Melville, quickly.

They were already near, and in a brief space of time they touched the bank.

β€œWhat's the matter, Tom?”

β€œThere's a tramp in the house, stealing all he can lay hands on,” answered Tom, in excitement.

β€œWhat house?”

β€œFarmer Cole's.”

Mr. Cole was the farmer for whom Tom Tripp was working.

Tom explained that the farmer was gone to the village, leaving his wife alone. A tramp had come to the door and asked for a meal. While Mrs. Cole was getting something for him, the visitor looked about him and, finding that there was no man about, boldly demanded money, after unceremoniously possessing himself of the silver spoons.

β€œIs he armed?” asked Melville.

β€œI don't know; I don't think so.”

β€œDoes he know that you have gone for help?”

β€œNo; he did not see me. I came from the fields, and saw him through the window. Mrs. Cole thinks I am in the field and there is no help near.”

Physical courage and physical strength do not always go together, and a weak man often excels a strong man in bravery. George Melville was thoroughly roused. For injustice or brutality he had a hearty contempt, and he was not one to stand by and see a ruffian triumph.

β€œCome, Herbert,” he said; β€œlet us go to the help of this poor woman.”

β€œWith all my heart,” answered Herbert, his eyes flashing.

Before describing the appearance of Herbert and George Melville upon the scene, I will go back a few minutes and relate what happened at the farmhouse.

Mrs. Cole was engaged in ironing when she heard a knock at the door.

Answering the summons, she found herself confronted by an ill-looking fellow whose dusty and travel-soiled garments revealed the character of the wearer.

β€œWhat is it you wish?” asked the farmer's wife.

β€œI'm hungry!” said the tramp. β€œCan you give me something to eat?”

β€œYes,” answered Mrs. Cole, cheerfully, for the good woman could not find

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