the island.

"You see, aunt," he said, "it wasn't such bad luck, after all, to be
left on the island."

"God has so shaped events as to bring good out of evil," answered Mrs.
Trafton, who was a religious woman and went regularly to church, though
her husband never accompanied her. "But I am afraid your uncle will try
to get the money away from you."

"I don't want him to know it, aunt."

"I shall not tell him, Robert, but he may find out."

"That is not all. I have got regular work to do which will bring me in
two dollars a week."

Then Robert told his surprised aunt the story of his engagement by the
hermit, who for two years had been the mystery of the village.

"It never rains but it pours, you see, aunt," he said cheerfully.

He wondered how his uncle would receive him and whether he would make a
fresh demand for the small sum of money which had been the cause of the
original trouble.

But John Trafton had been thoroughly alarmed by the consequences of his
former act and he had, besides, such experience of Robert's firmness
that he concluded it would not be worth while to carry the matter any
further. He greeted Robert sullenly.

"So you are back?" he said gruffly.

"Yes," answered the boy.

"Who took you off?"

"I put off on a raft and should have been drowned but for the hermit. He
saved me."

"You deserved to be drowned for putting off on a raft."

"Did you think I was going to stay on the island?" asked Robert with
spirit. "If I had been drowned it would have been your fault."

"None of your impudence, boy!" said John Trafton.

And then he dropped the subject without referring to the money.

During the day Robert called on Herbert Irving to thank him for his
interest in his behalf.

George was in the yard, but his valise was in his hand and he seemed on
the point of departure. He scowled at Robert, but didn't speak.

"I'm glad to see you back, Bob," said Herbert warmly. "What an old
rascal your uncle is! Now tell me all about how you escaped."

While Robert was telling the story the stage drove up and George got on
board.

"Good-by, George!" said Herbert.

George did not deign a reply and rode sullenly away.

"He doesn't find that the climate of Cook's Harbor suits him," said
Herbert significantly.

"He doesn't seem very happy about going," said Robert. "I didn't expect
he would notice me, but he did not bid you good-by."

"The fact is George and I have had a flare-up," said Her