"I am a bachelor, and should find it impossible to assume such a charge," said the clerk, "though I feel for the little fellow." An inspiration had come to Rupert. His heart had gone out to the little boy so tragically deprived of his natural protector. "I will take the little boy if you are willing," he said. "You! A boy! What can you do with him?" asked Malcolm. "I am boarding in a nice family," he said. "I will put him under the care of Mrs. Benton, who has a young son of her own." "But do you realize what a responsibility you are assuming?" "I do, and I am not afraid. I never had a little fellow, and I shall be very fond of Fred." "What do you think, doctor?" asked the clerk. "I think from the little I know of this boy, that, though a young guardian, he will be a reliable one. I recommend that Fred, if that's his name, be put under his charge." "In that case, according to the father's direction, the money will go to Rupert." "Please take charge of it, Mr. Malcolm, till the funeral is over. Then we will place it in some bank." "It will not go very far towards paying for the boy's board and education. He can't be more than five or six." "When it is gone I will support him." No objection was made, and it was agreed that Rupert should have the custody of the little orphan, not yet conscious of his loss. CHAPTER XX. MR. PACKARD'S GIFT. It was not until the next day that Giles Packard knew of the tragedy in No. 61. He had gone to bed at once on reaching the hotel, and had not heard of Rupert's adopting a child. "What is this I hear, Rupert?" he asked, on meeting the bell-boy. "I hear you have an adopted son." "Yes," answered Rupert, with a smile. "Won't you get tired of the care and responsibility?" "I think not." "Besides, there will be considerable expense." "The money left by his father will pay that till I am older and am earning more." "Not many boys of your age would dare to assume such a charge." "Perhaps not, but Fred is such a sweet boy I cannot help loving him." "Look here, Rupert, won't you let me share the expense? I am rich and have no family ties?" "Thank you, Mr. Packard. I am very much obliged to you, but I should like to feel that I am Fred's sole guardian. I want him to learn to love me." "I don't know but you are right. I won't interfere if you don't wish me to." That evening Rupert took Fred to Mr. Benton's. "I have brought you another boarder," he said. Mrs. Benton looked surprised. "Is it a relation of yours?" she asked. "He is my son." The good lady looked amazed. "My adopted son," amended Rupert, with a smile; and then he told her of the sudden death at the hotel, and little Fred's bereavement. Mrs. Benton's heart went out to the little orphan, and she stooped and kissed him. "Will you live with me?" she asked. "I am going to live with him," said little Fred, taking Rupert's hand. "He will live here, too."