"Will you count it, and see if it is all right?"

"Is this your money?" asked the lawyer, laying down his pen and gazing
at Robert in astonishment.

"Yes, sir," said Robert, enjoying his surprise. "I will tell you how I
got it"

So the story was told, with a modest reserve as to his own courage, but
still showing, without his intending it, how nobly he had behaved.

"Give me your hand, Robert," said Mr. Paine, cordially. "You have shown
yourself a hero. We shall be proud of your company to tea to-morrow
evening."

Robert flushed with gratification at the high compliment conveyed in
these words.

What did he care then for Halbert Davis and his petty malice! He had the
approval of his own conscience, the good opinion of those whom he most
respected and a provision against want sufficient to avert all present
anxiety.

"There is one thing more, Mr. Paine," he added. "It's about the boat
Will was kind enough to lend me."

"Have you seen the carpenter about repairing it?"

"Yes, sir, and he will attend to it as soon as he can spare the time.
But that was not what I wanted to say. I think I ought to bear the