When all my trees and plants die off for the winter, we don't call that dreadful, because we know they'll all bud and leaf and blossom again after their long sleep; and so it is with them as has gone away.

There, there, there, you must try to be a man." "Yes, sir," I said; "I am trying very hard." "That's the way," he cried; "that's the way;" and he clapped me on the shoulder.

"To be sure it is hard work, though, when you are on'y twelve or thirteen years old." "Yes, sir." "But look here, boy, there's a tremendous deal done by a lad who makes up his mind to try; do you see ?" "Yes sir, I see," I said, looking at him wonderingly, for he did not seem to want to get rid of me now, as he was holding me tightly by the arm.
"'Member coming for the strawberries ?" he said drily.
"Yes, sir." "Thought me a disagreeable old fellow, didn't you then ?" I hesitated, but he looked at me sharply.
"Yes, sir, I did then," I said.

"I did not know how kind you could be." "That's just what I am," he said gruffly; "very disagreeable." I shook my head.
"I am," he said.

"Ask any of my men and women.