ney was. But Tom had been too well brought up to
yield to this temptation. Not even the thought that he might, perhaps
within a year, return the money with interest, prevailed upon him.

"It wouldn't be honest," he decided, "and if I began in that way I could
not expect that God would prosper me. If that is the only way by which I
can go to California I must make up my mind to stay at home."

So the question was settled in Tom's mind. The money must be returned to
the owner. His pail was nearly full of huckleberries, but he postponed
going home, for he felt that Squire Hudson would be feeling anxious
about his loss, and he thought it his duty to go and return the money
first of all. Accordingly he made his way directly to the imposing
residence of the rich man.

Passing up the walk which led to the front door, Tom rang the bell. This
was answered by a cross-looking servant. She glanced at the pail of
berries, and said quickly: "We don't want any berries, and if we did you
ought to go round to the side door."

"I haven't asked you to buy any berries, have I?" said Tom, rather
provoked by the rudeness of the girl, when he had come to do the squire
a favor.

"No, but that's what you're after. We have bought all we want."

"I tell you I didn't come here to sell berries," said Tom independently;
"I picked these for use at home."

"Then what do you come here for, anyway, takin' up my time wid comin' to
the door, when I'm busy gettin' supper?"

"I want to see Squire Hudson."

"I don't know if he's at home."

"Then you'd better find out, and not keep me waiting."

"I never see such impudence," ejaculated the girl.

"I mean what I say," continued Tom stoutly. "I want to see the squire on
important business."

"Much business you have wid him!" said the girl scornfully.

Tom by this time was out of patience.

"Go and tell your master that I wish to see him," he said firmly.

"I've a great mind to slam the door in your face," returned Bridget
angrily.

"I wouldn't advise you to," said Tom calmly.

A stop was put to the contention by an irritable voice.

"What's all this, hey? Who's at the door, Bridget?"

"A boy wid berries, sir."

"Tell him I don't want any."

"I have told him, and he won't go."

"Won't go, hey?" and Squire Hudson came out into the hall. "What's all
this, I say? Won't go?"

"I wish to see you, sir," said Tom, undaunted. "I have told the girl
that I didn't come here to sell berries; b