days. But for a young
and guileless boy, whose life is but beginning, the world has its
charms. Do you care for books?"

"I have never looked into many, sir, but that is not my fault. I have
half a dozen tattered books at home and I study in some of them every
day. I have been nearly through the arithmetic and I know something of
geography. Sometimes I get hold of a paper, but not often, for my uncle
takes none and does not care for reading."

"Look among my books. See if there is any one you would like to read."

Robert had already cast wistful glances at the rows of books in the
handsome bookcase.

He had never before seen so many books together, for Cook's Harbor was
not noted for its literary men and book lovers. He gladly accepted the
hermit's invitation.

His attention was quickly drawn to a set of the Waverley novels. He had
often heard of them, and an extract which he had seen in his school
reader from "Rob Roy" had given him a strong desire to read the story
from which it was taken.

"I should like to borrow 'Rob Roy,'" he said.

"You may take it. When you have read it, you may, upon returning it,
have another."

"Then I may call to see you, sir?"

"I shall be glad to have you do so. It is an invitation I never expected
to give, but you have interested me, and I may be able to serve you at
some time."

"Thank you, sir. If you should ever want any one to run errands for you,
I hope you will call upon me. I should like to make some return for your
great kindness."

"That is well thought of. You may come to me every Tuesday and Friday
mornings, at nine o'clock, and carry my orders to the village. I do not
care to go there, but have had no messenger I could trust. For this
service I will pay you two dollars a week."

Robert was astonished at the mention of such liberal payment.

"But, sir, that is rather too much," he began.

"Let it be so," said the hermit. "I have money in plenty and it does not
bring me happiness. In your hands it may do good."

"It will be a great help to me, sir."

"It is understood then. I will not detain you longer. Go home and
gladden the heart of your aunt."

Robert left the cavern, more than ever puzzled by his brief acquaintance
with the mysterious recluse.

CHAPTER XVI

THE FISHERMAN'S TEMPTATION

It is needless to say that Robert received a joyful welcome from his
aunt. Her joy was increased when her nephew showed her the gold which he
had found upon