dark woods.

Aunt Judith told Captain Atherton all about Gyp's ambition, of his
hard work at school, and the evenings spent at the cottage.

"He is determined to get on, and he says that he will not always live
like a gypsy.

"He declares that he will be a decent man," she said, "but will not
people be so prejudiced that they will not care to employ him?" she
asked.

"_No_!" cried the captain, "for I will set aside any notions that they
may have by employing him _myself_.

"_I_ will trust him, and this very week I'll tell him so!"

It happened that he met the boy on his way from school.

"How go the lessons, boy?" he asked kindly.

For some reason Gyp was not afraid.

"This is Friday, and I've had every lesson perfect this week. I'm going
over to tell Aunt Judith. _She'll_ be glad!"

"Don't you tell the folks at home?" queried Captain Atherton.

"They don't care much," Gyp said with downcast eyes. Then, as if to
excuse their lack of interest, he said: