wonder if he had any trouble in selling the bonds," thought Philip;
but this thought was one to which he didn't think it prudent to give
expression.

He walked home slowly, while Colonel Ross kept on his way to the modest
home of the Gilberts. We will precede him.

The little family was gathered in the plain sitting-room. There were but
three--Mrs. Gilbert, Harry and Uncle Obed.

The old man--to begin with the oldest first--was sitting in a rocking
chair, with his hands folded in his lap, and an expression of placid
contentment on his face. He had reached the age when rest is agreeable,
and was satisfied to sit through the evening, now watching Harry or his
mother, and now occupied with thoughts of earlier days and distant
scenes. He was thoroughly satisfied with the new home he had found,
plain and humble though it was. Indeed, perhaps, for that very reason,
it suited him better.

Mrs. Gilbert was sewing. She had time enough to sew for some of her
neighbors, and in that way earned a moderate sum for herself, though, as
the family was now situated, she could have dispensed with it.

Harry was reading a "Life of Benjamin Franklin," which he had taken from
the Sunday school library, and was evidently deeply interested in it.

"What are you reading, Harry?" asked the old man, after a while.

"Franklin's life, Uncle Obed."

"You couldn't read anything better. Old Ben is a good model for American
boys. He was a great man."

"So he was, Uncle Obed; and he began poor, too."

"Sarten, sarten! Poor boys make the smartest men--that's my
observation."

"Then I've got one thing in my favor," said Harry, smiling.

"And you will succeed, too; I make no doubt of it. You've made a pretty
good beginning already."

"Thank you, Uncle Obed, for your favorable opinion. I hope I shall
deserve it."

"You're worth half a dozen boys like Philip Ross. I reckon he'll never
amount to much."

"He doesn't think so," said Harry, smiling. "He thinks himself a very
important character."

"Like enough! He looks like it. He doesn't care to own me as a
relation."

"It would be different if you were rich, Uncle Obed."

"Mebbe so. I think so myself. Thank the Lord, I ain't beholden to him or
his family for any favors. They wanted to send me home to Illinoy. I was
too unfashionable for them, I expect, but I've found a home--yes, I've
found a good home."

"I am glad we succeeded in making it comfortable for you, Mr. Wilkins,"
said Mr