"That was a long day, and I thought it was my last; for when night came I felt so gone I reckoned I was 'most over Jordan. I gave my watch to Tom as a keepsake, and told him to say good-by to the boys for me. I hadn't any folks of my own, so it wasn't hard to go. Tom had a sweetheart, an old mother, and lots of friends; but he didn't repine a word,--only said: 'If you do pull through, Joel, just tell mother I done my best, and give Hetty my love.' I promised, and dropped asleep, holding on to Tom as if he was my sheet-anchor. So he was; but I can't tell all he done for me in different ways." For a minute Joel rowed in silence, and no one asked a question. Then he pushed up his old hat again, and went on, as if anxious to be done. "Soon's ever I woke, next morning, I looked round to thank Tom, for his blanket was over me. He was sitting as I left him, his hand on my pillow, his face toward me, so quiet and happy-looking I couldn't believe he was gone. But he was, and I have had no mate since." "Where did he live?" asked Rose, as softly as if speaking of one she had known and loved. "Over yonder." And Joel pointed to a little brown house on the hillside. "Are his mother and Hetty there?" "Hetty married a number of years ago; but the old lady is there." "And you are visiting her?" "I live with her. You see Tom was all she had; and, when Hetty left, it was only natural that I tried to take Tom's place. Can't never fill it of course; but I do what I can, and she's comfortable." "So _she_ is the 'old mother' who thinks so much of you? Well she may," said Rose, giving him her brightest smile. "Yes, she's all I've got now. Couldn't do no less, could I, seein' how much Tom done for me?" answered the man, with a momentary quiver of emotion in his rough voice. "You're a trump!" said Uncle Ben, emphatically. "Thanky, sir. Starboard, if you please. I don't care to get into the rapids just here." Joel seemed to dislike telling this part of the story; but the three listeners beamed upon him with such approving faces that he took to his oars in self-defence, rowing with all his might, till the roar of the Fall was faintly heard. "Now, where shall I land you, sir?" "Let us lunch on the island," proposed Rose. "I see a tent, and fancy some one is camping there," said Milly. "A lot of young fellows have been there this three days," said Joel. "Then we will go on, and take to the grove above the Fall," ordered Uncle Ben. Alas! alas! for Rose. That decision delayed her happiness a whole half day; for on that island, luxuriously reading "The Lotus Eaters," as he lay in the long grass, was the Gabriel this modern Evangeline was waiting for. She never dreamed he was so near. And the brown-bearded student never lifted up his head as the boat floated by, carrying the lady of his love.