I may keep him, Fritz ?" "Of course you may! This proves to me that we have a hold on the boy's heart, and I would no more send him away now than I would my own Rob." Dan heard a soft little sound, as if Mrs.Jo thanked her husband without words, and, in the instant's silence that followed, two great tears that had slowly gathered in the boy's eyes brimmed over and rolled down his dusty cheeks.

No one saw them, for he brushed them hastily away; but in that little pause I think Dan's old distrust for these good people vanished for ever, the soft spot in his heart was touched, and he felt an impetuous desire to prove himself worthy of the love and pity that was so patient and forgiving.

He said nothing, he only wished the wish with all his might, resolved to try in his blind boyish way, and sealed his resolution with the tears which neither pain, fatigue, nor loneliness could wring from him.
"Come and see his foot.

I am afraid it is badly hurt, for he has kept on three days through heat and dust, with nothing but water and an old jacket to bind it up with.

I tell you, Fritz, that boy is a brave lad, and will make a fine man yet." "I hope so, for your sake, enthusiastic woman, your faith deserves success.