said. "According to the law the boy
must be returned to England. But he has begged the authorities not to
send him back. He comes from a poor family, and his father is dead. In
England there are no opportunities for him; So he decided to go to
America. And now he is here."

"And you decided to take him into your home!" the woman said smilingly.
"That looks just like you."

"Well," the man answered, looking at Fred and Agnes, "you were lucky to
find these, so I must make another contribution."

"Nor do I object," consented the woman. "The Lord has blessed us
abundantly with all good things, and we can surely give him a good
home. Only, I would ask, is he worthy of it?"

"That we must see," Mr. Bradley said; "but he seems to be a good pious
boy, and he knows his Catechism well. I hardly blame him for leaving
England."

"Then the matter is settled," Mrs. Bradley said; "but where is the boy
now?"

"Governor Winthrop has provisionally taken him into his home," the man
said; "though he cannot very well adopt the lad. But when he spoke to
me about it, I promised to ask you, and I have guaranteed the ship
company to pay his fare."

"What a fine Samaritan you are!" Mrs. Bradley said, as she kissed him.
"Surely, the Lord will bless you for it, and we shall be the richer for
having taken him in."

Fred who had listened eagerly, could no longer restrain himself.
Stepping up to his foster-father he asked: "And what is the boy's name?"

"His name is Matthew Bunyan," Mrs. Bradley said; "but what about you,
Fred? Do you want to have the new brother? And will you treat him
kindly?"

"That I will," Fred responded gladly. "I have always wished for a
brother, who could work and play with me. And Matthew Bunyon is such a
fine name! When can I see him?"

"You may this very evening, if you care to go to the Governor's house,"
said the kind father.

"Oh, then, let us go, Agnes," Fred said. "It will do him a world of
good to let him know that he has a sister and a brother."

"And could he not come over this very evening?" Mrs. Bradley asked.
"I surely would like to see him. Fred's bed is large enough for two to
sleep in."

"Yes, bring him with you, Fred," Mr. Bradley said. "Only you must wait
until I have written a note to Governor Winthrop, telling him of our
resolution."

As Mr. Bradley was a merchant, the writing materials were always kept
ready for use, and in a few moments the note was finished.

W