"Mr. Sharpman!" pleaded the boy, "Mr. Sharpman, I never meant to be mean or unkind to Gran'pa Simon. I never knew't he saved my life, never. I thought he abused me, I did; I was sure of it; that's the reason I run away from 'im. But, you see, I'm older now; I'd be more reason'ble; I'll do anything you tell me to, Mr. Sharpman,--anything, if you'll only fix it for Gran'pa Simon so's't he can help me get back to my mother." The lawyer sat for a few moments as if lost in thought. Finally, he raised his head and said:-- "I've a great mind to try you, Ralph. Do you think I can really place full confidence in you?" "Yes, sir; oh, yes, sir!" "And will you follow my advice to the letter, and do just what I tell you to do in this matter?" "Yes, sir; I will." "Well, then," said Sharpman, turning to Craft, "I think I'll trust the boy, and I'll assist you in your bonds. I know that we both have his interest at heart, and I believe that, together, we can restore his rights to him, and place him in the way of acceptance by his family. Ralph," turning again to the boy, "you ought to be very thankful to have found two such good friends as Mr. Craft and myself." "Yes, sir, I am. You'll do everything you can for me, won't you? as quick as you can?" "Oh, yes! Mr. Craft will be your guardian, and I will be his bondsman and lawyer. Now, I think we understand each other, and I guess that's all for to-night." "When do you want me to come again?" "Well, I shall want you to go to Wilkesbarre with me in a few days, to have the appointment of guardian made; but I will send for you. In the meantime you will keep on with your work as usual, and say nothing to any person about what we have told you. You'll do that, won't you?" "Yes, sir, I will. But, Uncle Billy--can't I tell him? he'll be awful glad to know." "Well, yes, you may tell Billy, but charge him to keep it a profound secret." "Oh! he will, he will; he'll do anything like that 'at I ask 'im to." Ralph picked up his cap and turned to go; he hesitated a moment, then he crossed the room to where old Simon still sat, and, standing before him, he said:-- "I'm sorry you're sick, Gran'pa Simon. I never meant to do wrong by you. I'll try to do w'at's right, after this, anyway." The old man, taken by surprise, had no answer ready; and Sharpman, seeing that the situation was likely to become awkward, stepped forward and said: "Oh! I've no doubt he'll be all we can desire now." He took the boy's hand, and led him toward the door. "I see my clerk has gone," he said; "are you afraid to go home alone?" "Oh, no! It's moonlight; an' besides, I've gone home alone lot's o' nights." "Well, good luck to you! Good-night!" "Good-night!" The office door closed behind the boy, and he went out into the street and turned toward home.