to assume the whole burden of
supporting the family, and is not willing that I should do anything."

"He is a smart boy, and ought to have a good place."

"He says he means to make five dollars a week; but that is mere
boy-talk."

"I like his spirit, but he will hardly be expected to earn five dollars
a week at present. I hope I shall be able to find him a better place
than the one I spoke of."

"You are very good, sir; I shall never be able to repay you for your
kindness."

"Don't mention it, ma'am. I am very glad to do anything I can for you.
You have made up your mind then to purchase the house?"

"Yes, sir."

"I think that's the best thing you can do under the circumstances. The
property is rising in value, and in a few years, if you should want to
sell, it would bring two thousand dollars. I will see Freeman as I
return, and the papers shall be made out immediately."

"Thank you, sir."

Captain Littleton took his leave, and Mrs. Duncan was very grateful to
him for the friendly interest he manifested in her affairs. When Paul
returned to the house, his mother informed him that her friend had found
a place for him; but the young aspirant had got an idea, and made up his
mind to decline the situation.

CHAPTER V.

PAUL COOKS HIS OWN BREAKFAST, AND GOES A-FISHING.

About six miles east of Bayville was a rocky island, around which perch
were abundant. Paul had often been there with his father, and was
familiar with the locality. He knew just where to moor his boat to have
good luck in fishing; and was acquainted with all the channels,
currents, and bars in the bay. He was not only a skilful seaman, but a
good pilot, and felt as much at home on the bay as in the streets of
Bayville.

It would be low tide in the bay at seven o'clock, and Paul made his
calculations accordingly. The best time to fish was on the "young
flood," or soon after the tide had turned to come in; and, if the wind
should happen to be light or contrary, it would take him a long time to
run down to Rock Island, as the place was called; therefore he must go
down with the tide. To accomplish his purpose it was necessary that he
should start by five o'clock in the morning, which was an hour before
his usual breakfast time.

He did not sleep very well that night, for the great idea to which we
have alluded was creating an immense commotion in his mind. He had
reasoned out the certainty of his being able to support the family, an