'Well, I'm glad on it, for there are some clever people among them. There's the widow Brown; why you must know her? she used to live in your father's family.' 'Oh, yes, I know her well, Mr. Cutter; and part of my errand down was to see her. Her daughter, I hope, will go home with me to live.' 'What! Hettie! Hettie ain't going away--and yet she ought to go out of such a hole as this. She is too pretty and too good to be round here. What's the matter, Bill? Where's the use of keeping the old bellows creaking, when there's no iron in the fire?' 'Oh, I didn't think. You are done, ain't you?' 'Yes, I hope so. I've pounded myself all in a heat. But what makes you look so pale, man?' 'Oh, nothing; I ain't pale, am I?' 'Yes, you are pale--go sit down, man.' 'No; I thank you, Uncle Sam. I believe I will go home now, if I can be of no more use to the gentleman.' Mr. Rutherford, seeing him about to depart, stepped up, and cordially thanked him for his kind and efficient services; and taking out his purse, was about to remunerate him handsomely for his trouble. 'Oh, no, sir, nothing; I thank you.' 'But it has taken your time, and you have been of great service to me; allow me to make you some compensation--thanks from a stranger are not worth much.' 'They are worth a good deal to _me_, sir, since I have found out who you are.' 'Why, what do you know of me?' 'My father removed from your place, sir; and I have often heard him speak of your folks, how kind they were to him; perhaps you may remember him, Zechariah Andrews?' 'Remember him? certainly I do; and are you his son? Well, this is strange indeed:' at the same time taking Bill's hand and giving it a hearty shake. Many inquiries were made and answered; and the interview closed by an invitation on the part of Mr. Rutherford, that whenever he might need a friend he would call upon him. 'And now, Mr. Cutter, good by,' giving the old man his hand; 'I hope you may live to see things look brighter than they now do. 'I hope so, sir; but I tell you there is but little chance of it. The old fellow has danced here so long, it will be hard getting him off the ground--preachin' might do it. But I want to say one thing to you--look out for Cross; he ain't too good in my opinion for any thing--he's a dangerous man, depend on it. But I won't keep you waiting. God bless you, and keep you out of harm's way.' CHAPTER VIII. I suppose my readers are about tired with following our heroes on their little voyages; but as this is to be the last they will make in the old skiff, and as it is connected with some interesting circumstances regarding our friend Sam, we must go with them once again.