enough, sir. He is a clumsy fighter."

"I hope you do not love to engage in such affairs, Darry?" continued the
grocer, alive to what he considered his duty.

"I've been set upon a few times when I had to defend myself, but I never
look for trouble. I'd even avoid it if I could; but you know, Mr.
Keeler, sometimes a boy has to either run away or fight; and somehow I
don't care to run away."

Mr. Keeler nodded his head.

He was getting a new insight into boy character that day, that might
revolutionize a few of his pet theories.

"You say you have decided to stay with the Peakes?" he continued.

"If Mrs. Peake wants me to. It isn't quite decided yet; but I think I
shall like to have a home there. You see, sir, outside of the cabin of
the old _Falcon_ I've never known a home in all my life."

Mr. Keeler felt a new interest in this strange lad, who had been a
wanderer the brief span of his days, and yet strange to say seemed to
possess the instincts of a manly young chap.

He wondered very much where the boy could have picked up his ways; but
then Mr. Keeler had never met Captain Harley, or he might not have
indulged in so much vague speculation.

"If you can get on with Mrs. Peake you deserve considerable praise, lad.
Not but what she is a good enough woman, and with a kindly heart; but
ever since little Joe went out on the ebb tide and never came back
again she seems to have become what I might say, soured on humanity.
Abner is meek enough to stand it, but she has had quarrels with many
people in the village. Still, who knows but what you may be the very one
to do her good. You are about the size of her Joe, and with his clothes
on, I declare now, you do look a little like him. He was a clever boy,
and I just reckon her heart was all wrapped up in him. At any rate, I
wish you success there, Darry. And if I can do you a good turn at any
time just ask me."

"Thank you, sir," replied the boy, with a lump in his throat; for he was
unused to kindness save from Captain Harley, and had had more hard
knocks in the past than good wishes.

The benevolent grocer continued to chat with him until the purchases
were all tied up in a bundle, and after payment had been made Darry
placed the rather bulky package on his shoulder and trotted off.

On the way home he was not spoken to by anyone.

He saw several boys pointing in his direction, and there was a look of
awe on their faces as they watched him walk by; but no one