"You're calling me names," he said, discontentedly. "You called me a Hottentot." "I fear you are very much like those poor, benighted creatures, Samuel," said his new guardian; "but it isn't wholly your fault. You have never had any religious or moral instruction. This must be rectified. I shall buy you a catechism this very day." "Will you?" asked Sam, eagerly, who, it must be explained, had an idea that a catechism was something good to eat. "Yes, I'll stop at the store and get one." They went into Pendleton's store,--a general country variety store, in which the most dissimilar articles were kept for sale. "Have you got a catechism?" asked the deacon, entering with Sam at his side. "We've got just one left." "How much is it?" "Ten cents." "I'll take it." Sam looked on with interest till the clerk produced the article; then his countenance underwent a change. "Why, it's a book," he said. "Of course it is. It is a very good book, from which you will learn all about your duty, and your religious obligations." "You needn't buy it. I don't want it," said Sam. "Don't want the catechism!" said the deacon, not without anger. "No, it aint any good." "My boy, I know better what is good for you than you do. I shall buy you the catechism." "I'd rather you'd get me that book," said Sam, pointing to a thin pamphlet copy of "Jack, the Giant-Killer." But Deacon Hopkins persisted in making the purchase proposed. "Are there any pictures in it?" asked Sam. "No." "Then I shan't like it." "You don't know what is for your good. I hope you will be wiser in time. But here we are at the house. Come right in, and mind you wipe your feet." This was Sam's first introduction into the Hopkins' household. He proved a disturbing element, as we shall presently see. CHAPTER III. A HARD CASE. The first meal to which Sam sat down at the deacon's house was supper. It was only a plain supper,--tea, bread and butter, and apple-pie; but to Sam, who was not used to regular meals of any kind, it seemed luxurious. He despatched slice after slice of bread, eating twice as much as any one else at the table, and after eating his share of the pie gazed hungrily at the single slice which remained on the plate, and asked for that also. Deacon Hopkins thought it was time to interfere. "You've had one piece a'ready," he said. "I know it," said Sam; "but I'm hungry." "I don't see how you can be. You've eat more than any of us." "It takes a good deal to fill me up," said Sam, frankly. "The boy'll eat us out of house and home," said Mrs. Hopkins, in alarm. "You can't have any more. You've had enough." Sam withdrew his plate. He did not look abashed, for he was never much inclined that way, nor did his feelings appear to be hurt, for he was not sensitive; but he took the matter coolly, and pushing back his chair from the table was about to leave the room. "Where are you a-goin?" asked his new guardian. "Out doors."