pect my son Toby to be well enough
in a few days to get onto his regular business again. If you cared to
tackle the work till then I'd sure be glad to have you. It's my busy
time, and I'm falling behind every day. You could be a great help to me,
only the job is apt to be a short one," he remarked.

"It might help out, Mr. Cartwright. You know my mother is in trouble
over that investment, and times are going hard with us. I mean to get to
work at once, and try to make it easier for her. I'll take the job while
it lasts, sir," and he threw off his coat with a business-like air that
pleased the old miller.

"But see here, Dick, we ain't made no terms. I paid Toby twenty a month,
and his board. Would a dollar and a quarter a day satisfy you, son? A
special job like this always commands higher wages, you know," he
inquired, eagerly, for he had been wondering how he could keep up with
his orders while shorthanded.

"It suits me first-rate, sir. Only wish it would keep right along--not
that I would like to have Toby sick you understand. And, now if you will
show me just what I'm to start on I'll get to work."

"Say, I like that kind of talk. I reckon you and me will pull together
all right, Dick. I knowed your father many years, and if so be the boy
has got some of his grit and go in his make-up there ain't no fear but
he'll get there."

It filled Dick with a sense of deepest satisfaction to realize that he
was actually earning real money; and again and again he pictured the
look of happiness that he knew would flash over the face of his mother
when he told her of his success; of course the job was only a temporary
one, but then it certainly seemed like the harbinger of other good
things to come.

He whistled at his work, and the miller thought this merry-hearted lad
was worth having around as an inspiration, even though he might not be
as sturdy a worker as his big-muscled Toby.

But Dick was possessed of indomitable pluck, and after he grew a little
accustomed to the work he thoroughly satisfied his employer.

At noon he heard a conch shell blown, and washing up as Mr. Cartwright
had directed him, he proceeded to the house, where he sat down to a
bountiful spread that was certainly a joyous sight in the eyes of a
hungry boy.

He only wished the little mother were sitting beside him instead of big
Toby, now well on the road to recovery.

And all that afternoon, when he felt tired from the unusual employment
of h