"Then enter Mr. Tubbs' store for a time, even if it is disagreeable to you. Try the experiment, and see how your stepmother treats you. I shall be glad if you will call on me after a time and report. I was your father's friend, and I have reason to be yours. You have done me a great service to-day which I am not likely to forget." The old gentleman spoke warmly. Gerald was surprised, for until to-day he had scarcely spoken a word to Mr. Nugent, who had made himself a recluse, and was, perhaps, less known to his neighbors than any man in the village. Now it seemed that he had a good heart and warm sympathies for others. "Thank you very much, Mr. Nugent," said Gerald. "It's a comfort to me to think I have one friend who was also a friend of my father." "You can rely upon my friendship, Gerald," said the old man, kindly. "I shall remember your kindness, Mr. Nugent, and I will call upon you soon. I am expected to go to work for Mr. Tubbs on Monday." Soon afterward Mr. Crane and Gerald left the house and returned home. They found Abel and his mother sitting at the table in the sitting-room. They looked up with some curiosity as the two entered. "How did you enjoy your call, Alonzo?" asked his sister. "I had good reason to enjoy it," said the blacksmith. "Did he give you anything for putting out the fire?" "Yes." "As much as five dollars?" "The squire is a liberal man. He gave me enough to rebuild my shop." "What!" exclaimed Mrs. Lane in incredulous amazement. "I've got in my pocket a check for three hundred dollars, Melindy." "And won't you have to pay it back?" asked Abel. "No; it's a free gift. It was a lucky day when I decided to come to Portville, even if my own sister did go back on me." "It was out of my power to help you, Alonzo, but I am glad you have been so fortunate." "How much did he give you?" asked Abel, turning to Gerald. "He did not offer me anything. It was your uncle who saved his life." "He might have given you a dollar or two," said Abel; but in his heart he was glad that Gerald was not remembered. "I would not have accepted it." "I would. I wouldn't be such an idiot as to refuse money when it was offered to me." "You spoke the truth that time, Abel," said Alonzo, with a meaning smile. "I never knew you to refuse anything." When it was half-past nine Mrs. Lane said: "We go to bed early here, Alonzo. I suppose you will want to take an early start in the morning?" "Yes, Melindy; I didn't come here to make you a long visit." Even if he had, it was clear that this would not have been agreeable to Mrs. Lane. "Abel," she said, "will you show your uncle up to the small chamber in the attic, next to Ann's room?" Ann was the servant. Gerald was a little surprised, as there was a larger room on the second floor. Mrs. Lane clearly did not intend to treat her brother as company. "I don't want to go, ma," grumbled Abel. "I will show Mr. Crane the way to his room," said Gerald, quickly. "Very well."