"No doubt he will find it very convenient to stay at home through the winter," he reflected. "Well, he must think I am a fool to take back a boy who has defied my authority." It was Saturday, and Ralph was home from boarding-school. "Ralph," said his father, "I bring you good news." "What is it, pa?" "Your cousin will be home from the circus towards the last of next week." "Who told you? Did he write you?" "He wrote to James Schuyler, who told me." "I suppose he expects you will give him a home through the winter." "You may rest easy, Ralph. He won't have his own way with me, I can assure you." "What shall you do, pa?" "I shall see Bickford about taking him back. I have occasion to go over there on Monday to have the horse shod, and I can speak to him about it." Ralph laughed. "That will bring down his pride," he said. "I suppose he will beg off." "He will find me firm as a rock. What I decide upon I generally carry through." "Good for you, pa! I was afraid you would weaken." "You don't know me, my son. I have been patient and bided my time. Your cousin presumed to set up his will against mine. He has got along thus far because he has made a living by traveling with a circus. Now the circus season is at an end, and he is glad enough to come back to me." On Monday Stephen Watson rode over to Oakford, and made it in his way to call on Aaron Bickford. "Have you got a boy, Mr. Bickford?" he asked. "I had one, but he left me last Saturday. He didn't suit me." This was the blacksmith's interpretation of it. The truth was the boy became disgusted with the treatment he received and the fare provided at his employer's table, and left him without ceremony. "How would you like to take back my nephew?" "Has he come back?" asked the blacksmith, pricking up his ears. "Not yet; but I expect him back toward the end of next week." "Has he left the circus?" "The circus has left him. That is, it has closed for the season. He has sent word to a boy in Smyrna that he will be back in a few days." "He gave me a great deal of trouble, Mr. Watson." "Just so, and I thought you might like to get even with him," said Stephen Watson, looking significantly at the blacksmith. "It would do me good to give him a flogging," said Aaron Bickford. "I shan't interfere," replied Watson. "The boy has acted badly and he deserves punishment." "Yes, I'll take him back," said the blacksmith. "I guess he'll stay this time," he added grimly. "I think he will have to. There won't be any circus to give him employment." "He is a good strong boy, and he can make a good blacksmith, if he has a mind to." "You must make him have a mind to," said Stephen Watson. When the horse was shod he got into the carriage and drove away. After this interview Mr. Bickford seemed in unusually good spirits, so much so that his wife inquired: "Have you had any good luck, Aaron?" "What makes you ask?"