“I have never looked into many, sir, but that is not my fault. I have half a dozen tattered books at home and I study in some of them every day. I have been nearly through the arithmetic and I know something of geography. Sometimes I get hold of a paper, but not often, for my uncle takes none and does not care for reading.” “Look among my books. See if there is any one you would like to read.” Robert had already cast wistful glances at the rows of books in the handsome bookcase. He had never before seen so many books together, for Cook’s Harbor was not noted for its literary men and book lovers. He gladly accepted the hermit’s invitation. His attention was quickly drawn to a set of the Waverley novels. He had often heard of them, and an extract which he had seen in his school reader from “Rob Roy” had given him a strong desire to read the story from which it was taken. “I should like to borrow ‘Rob Roy,’” he said. “You may take it. When you have read it, you may, upon returning it, have another.” “Then I may call to see you, sir?” “I shall be glad to have you do so. It is an invitation I never expected to give, but you have interested me, and I may be able to serve you at some time.” “Thank you, sir. If you should ever want any one to run errands for you, I hope you will call upon me. I should like to make some return for your great kindness.” “That is well thought of. You may come to me every Tuesday and Friday mornings, at nine o’clock, and carry my orders to the village. I do not care to go there, but have had no messenger I could trust. For this service I will pay you two dollars a week.” Robert was astonished at the mention of such liberal payment. “But, sir, that is rather too much,” he began. “Let it be so,” said the hermit. “I have money in plenty and it does not bring me happiness. In your hands it may do good.” “It will be a great help to me, sir.” “It is understood then. I will not detain you longer. Go home and gladden the heart of your aunt.” Robert left the cavern, more than ever puzzled by his brief acquaintance with the mysterious recluse. CHAPTER XVI THE FISHERMAN’S TEMPTATION It is needless to say that Robert received a joyful welcome from his aunt. Her joy was increased when her nephew showed her the gold which he had found upon the island. “You see, aunt,” he said, “it wasn’t such bad luck, after all, to be left on the island.” “God has so shaped events as to bring good out of evil,” answered Mrs. Trafton, who was a religious woman and went regularly to church, though her husband never accompanied her. “But I am afraid your uncle will try to get the money away from you.” “I don’t want him to know it, aunt.” “I shall not tell him, Robert, but he may find out.” “That is not all. I have got regular work to do which will bring me in two dollars a week.” Then Robert told his surprised aunt the story of his engagement by the hermit, who for two years had been the mystery of the village.