d your husband, there's one thing I can't help saying: It is a
contemptibly mean thing not only to use all his own earnings for drink,
but to try to get hold of what little I get for the same purpose."

"I don't deny it, Robert. I don't pretend to defend my husband. Once he
was different, but drink has changed his whole nature. I never had any
reason to complain before he took to drink."

"No doubt of it, aunt, but that don't alter present circumstances. I
have no respect for my uncle when he acts as he has to-night. Come what
may, there's one thing I am determined upon--he shan't have the money."

"You'll be prudent, Robert, for my sake?" entreated Mrs. Trafton.

"Yes, I'll be prudent. To-morrow morning I will get up early and be out
of the way till after uncle is gone. There is no chance of his getting
up early and going a-fishing."

The deep and noisy breathing made it probable that the fisherman would
awaken at a late hour, as both Robert and his aunt knew.

She was reassured by his promise and prepared to go to bed. Soon all
three inmates of the little cabin were sleeping soundly.

CHAPTER VII

THE NEXT MORNING

Robert rose at six the next morning and half an hour later took his
breakfast. It consisted of fish, bread and a cup of tea, and though most
of my young readers might not be satisfied with it--especially as there
was no butter--Robert thought himself lucky to be so well provided for.

When his breakfast was finished he rose from the table.

"Now I'm off, Aunt Jane," he said.

"Where are you going, Robert?"

"I'll earn some money if I can. We've got a little, but it won't last
long."

"It won't be very easy to find work, I am afraid."

"I shall be ready for anything that turns up, aunt. Something turned up
yesterday when I didn't expect it."

"That's true."

Just then the fisherman was heard to stir in the adjoining room, and
Robert, not wishing to be near when he awakened, hastily left the cabin
to avoid a repetition of the scene of the previous night.

Mrs. Trafton breathed a sigh of relief when her nephew was fairly out of
the way.

About an hour later her husband rose and without needing to dress--for
he had thrown himself on the bed in his ordinary clothes--walked into
the room where his wife was at work.

"Where's Robert?" he asked.

"He had his breakfast and went out."

"How long ago?"

"About an hour ago."

John Trafton scowled with disappointment.

"Is he round