We stopped two or three days at this place and then returned home. All
went well on the journey; we were glad to be in our own stable again,
and John was equally glad to see us.

Before he and James left us for the night James said, "I wonder who is
coming in my place."

"Little Joe Green at the lodge," said John.

"Little Joe Green! why, he's a child!"

"He is fourteen and a half," said John.

"But he is such a little chap!"

"Yes, he is small, but he is quick and willing, and kind-hearted, too,
and then he wishes very much to come, and his father would like it;
and I know the master would like to give him the chance. He said if I
thought he would not do he would look out for a bigger boy; but I said I
was quite agreeable to try him for six weeks."

"Six weeks!" said James; "why, it will be six months before he can be of
much use! It will make you a deal of work, John."

"Well," said John with a laugh, "work and I are very good friends; I
never was afraid of work yet."

"You are a very good man," said James. "I wish I may ever be like you."