the house, and we'd both consider it a special favour if ye'd let yer
boy come to see us once in awhile."

"Why, certainly," the parson replied. "I give my consent, and I feel
sure that you will, won't you?" and he turned to his wife.

"Yes, captain, I am quite willing for Rodney to go, and it is very
thoughtful of you to want him. I hope that he will behave himself."

"No fear of that," the captain eagerly returned. "I've got some fine
apples jist waitin' fer him, and several other things to surprise him
when he comes. So, good-night, I must be gittin' along."




CHAPTER VII

CHUMS

It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and Captain Josh was busy in his
little work-shop at the side of his house. He was in a hurry, and his
big hands moved swiftly and deftly as he cut the cotton or tied a piece
of string. Once or twice he stepped back to view his work, and then a
pleased expression appeared upon his face. Occasionally his eyes
turned toward the little window above the work-bench until they rested
upon the road, leading from the main highway to his house. The captain
was expecting company, and this was something remarkable at "The
Anchorage," the name of the snug cottage by the riverside.