deep sigh.

"Yes. He's had the promise of it, so I understand. I've looked after
that lighthouse ever since Abner died, and I have never failed in my
duty once. But Tom Dunker, the sneak, wants it. He's a Government
supporter, and thinks he ought to have it for what he did at the last
election. Abner voted opposition, and though they let me keep it ever
since he died, the Dunkers have been making such a fuss about it that
something has to be done to pacify them."

"I am very sorry to hear this, Mrs. Marden," and Parson Dan placed his
hand to his forehead. This news troubled him, for he saw breakers
ahead.

"I knew that you would be sorry," the widow replied, "and so I have
come to ask you to write to headquarters. A letter from you explaining
the whole matter will have much effect."

The Bunkers were members of his flock, and Parson Dan was well aware
how troublesome they could become if things did not go their way. But
when his duty was clear he never hesitated, and as this was a case
where it was necessary to protect the weak against the strong, he
promised the widow that he would write at once on her behalf.

So at last the clergyman was free from the woman of many troubles, and
with a deep sigh of relief he sought the kitchen where Mrs. Royal had
Rodney all ready for bed.

CHAPTER IV

RODNEY DEVELOPS

The entire parish of Hillcrest soon took much interest in Rodney the
waif. Tongues became loosened and people freely expressed their
opinion about Parson Dan's action in taking the child into his house.
Some were most harsh in their criticism, especially Tom Dunker, who had
been defeated in the lighthouse affair owing to the letter the parson
had written on behalf of Widow Marden. He was very angry, and nursed
his wrath against the day when he could get even with the clergyman.

"We don't want a boy like that at the rectory," he complained. "He
should have been sent to the Orphanage or the Poor House. We pay the
parson's salary, an' we have a right to say who is to live by means of
the money we give."

Now, Tom Dunker contributed only one dollar a year to the support of
the Church, and he always gave that in a most begrudging manner. He
even refused to give this small amount after the parson sided with the
widow.

There were others, however, who stood loyally by their rector. They
praised him for what he had done, and did all they could to assist him.

Thus this discussion was gener