to himself.

Though his rest had been disturbed, he felt ready to get up. There was
work for him to do. He must arrange for the burial of the old man with
whom he had lived so long, the only friend he felt he could claim.

Ernest rose, and after dressing himself, made a frugal breakfast. He
looked sadly at Peter. Death was to him something new and strange, for
he did not remember ever having seen a dead man before. He must get
help, and with that object in view he went to the village, and sought
the store of Joe Marks.

"What brings you out so early, my lad?" asked Joe.

"Matter enough, Joe. My uncle is dead."

He still called him uncle, though he knew now that Peter was no kin to
him.

"Old Peter dead!" ejaculated Marks. "When did he die?"

"Some time during the night. I wish you'd help me, for I don't know
what to do."

"So I will, boy. We'll stand by you, won't we, Luke?"

This was said as Luke Robbins entered the store.

"To be sure we will, Ernest. We all like you."

"Oh, I forgot to say," continued Ernest, "the cabin was entered last
night, and some money taken."

CHAPTER IV.

ALONE IN THE WORLD.

Joe Marks and Luke Robbins looked at each other in amazement.

"Your cabin entered!" exclaimed Joe. "What do you say to that, Luke?"

"I did not know there were any thieves around here," answered Luke.
"What was taken?"

"An old trunk was opened--I carelessly left it unlocked--and two
five-dollar gold pieces were stolen out of it. At any rate I couldn't
find them this morning."

"Two five-dollar gold pieces?" said Joe quickly. "Then I know who took
them."

"What do you mean, Joe?" said Luke. "Out with it!"

"You know that tramp who was here yesterday, Luke?"

"Yes."

"He came round an hour ago, just after I had opened, and called for a
glass of whisky. 'Where is your money?' I asked. 'I've got plenty. You
needn't be afraid,' he said. Then I called upon him to show it, and he
pulled out a five-dollar gold piece. Of course I was surprised. 'Where
did you get it?' I asked, suspiciously. 'Yesterday you said you had no
money.' 'I had that,' he answered, 'but I didn't want to spend it. You
see it was a gift from my dyin' mother, and I wanted to keep it for
her sake.' With that he rolled up his eyes and looked sanctimonious.
Then I asked him how it happened that he was ready to spend it now."

"What did he say?"

"He said that he was so parched with thirst that he felt obliged to do
it."