CHAPTER VIII

AN UNEXPECTED ENGAGEMENT


"Take a seat, Frank," said Mr. Wharton, pointing to a luxurious armchair
on one side of the cheerful grate fire; "I will take the other, and you
shall tell me all about yourself."

"Thank you, sir," said our hero.

His confidence was won by Mr. Wharton's kind tone, and he briefly
recounted his story.

At the conclusion, Mr. Wharton said:

"How old are you, Frank?"

"Fourteen, sir."

"You are a brave boy, and a good boy, and you deserve success."

"Thank you, sir."

"But I am bound to say that you have a hard task before you."

"I know it, sir."