He looked about him helplessly, as if to consider what course it would be best to pursue under the circumstances, and as he looked he was relieved to see a boy in energetic pursuit of the lost hat. This boy was Robert, who grasped the situation at once, and, being fleet of foot, thought it very good fun to have a race with the wind. He had a good chase, for the wind in this case proved to be no mean competitor, but at last he succeeded and put his hand on the hat, which he carried in triumph to its owner. “Really, my boy, I am exceedingly indebted to you,” said Mr. Tudor, made happy by the recovery of his hat. “You are quite welcome, sir,” said Robert politely. “You had a good run after it,” said Mr. Tudor. “Yes, sir; the wind is very strong.” “I don’t know what I should have done without you. I am afraid I couldn’t have overtaken it myself.” “I am afraid not,” said Robert, smiling at the thought of a man of the merchant’s figure engaging in a race for a hat. “I could run when I was a boy like you,” said Mr. Tudor pleasantly, “but there’s rather too much of me now. Do you live in the village?” “Out on the cliff, sir. My uncle is a fisherman.” “And do you ever fish?” “Sometimes--a little, sir.” “But you don’t expect to be a fisherman when you grow up?” “Not if I can find anything better.” “A bright-looking lad like you ought to find something better. Please accept this.” He drew from his vest pocket a two-dollar bill, which he placed in Robert’s hand. “What!” exclaimed our young hero in astonishment. “All this for saving your hat? It is quite too much, sir.” Mr. Tudor smiled. “You will no doubt be surprised,” he said, “when I tell you that my hat cost me fifty dollars. It is a very fine Panama.” “Fifty dollars!” ejaculated Robert. He had not supposed it worth two. “So you see it is worth something to save it, and I should undoubtedly have lost it but for you.” “I am very much obliged to you, sir,” said Robert. “I wouldn’t accept the money if it were for myself, but it will be very acceptable to my aunt.” “I suppose your uncle does not find fishing very remunerative?” “It isn’t that, sir; but he spends nearly all of his money at the tavern, and----” “I understand, my boy. It is a very great pity. I, too, had an uncle who was intemperate, and I can understand your position. What is your name?” “Robert Coverdale.” “There is my business card. If you ever come to Boston, come and see me.” Robert took the card, from which he learned that his new acquaintance was Lawrence Tudor. CHAPTER IV ROBERT’S PURCHASES When Robert parted from Mr. Tudor he felt as if he had unexpectedly fallen heir to a fortune. Two dollars is not a very large sum, but to Robert, nurtured amid privation, it assumed large proportions. He began at once to consider what he could do with it, and it is to his credit that he thought rather of his aunt than himself.