, it was only three weeks that he had been out of a
place, and he had received more than he would have been paid in that
time by Mr. Tripp.

He decided to tell no one of his good luck but his mother and the
minister. If he were fortunate enough to earn more, the neighbors might
wonder as they pleased about the source of his supplies. The money came
at the right time, for his mother needed some articles at the store. He
concluded to get them on the way home.

Silas Tripp was weighing out some sugar for a customer when Chester
entered. Silas eyed him sharply, and was rather surprised to find him
cheerful and in good spirits.

"How's your mother this mornin', Chester?" asked the grocer.

"Pretty well, thank you, Mr. Tripp."

"Are you doin' anything yet?"

"There doesn't seem to be much work to do in Wyncombe," answered
Chester, noncommittally.

"You was foolish to leave a stiddy job at the store."

"I couldn't afford to work for the money you offered me."

"Two dollars and a quarter is better than nothin'. I would have paid
you two and a half. I like you better than that Wood boy. Is your
mother workin'?"

"She is doing a little sewing, but she had no time for that with a sick
man in the house."

"I don't see what made you keep a man that was no kith or kin to you."

"Would you have had us put him into the street, Mr. Tripp?"

"I'd have laid the matter before the selec'-men, and got him into the
poorhouse."

"Well, it is all over now, and I'm not sorry that we cared for the poor
fellow. I would like six pounds of sugar and two of butter."

"You ain't goin' to run a bill, be you?" asked Silas, cautiously. "I
can't afford to trust out any more."

"We don't owe you anything, do we, Mr. Tripp?"

"No; but I thought mebbe----"

"I will pay for the articles," said Chester, briefly.

When he tendered the five-dollar bill Silas Tripp looked amazed.

"Where did you get so much money?" he gasped.

"Isn't it a good bill?" asked Chester.

"Why, yes, but----"

"I think that is all you have a right to ask," said Chester, firmly.
"It can't make any difference to you where it came from."

"I thought you were poor," said Mr. Tripp.

"So we are."

"But it seems strange that you should have so much money."

"Five dollars isn't much money, Mr. Tripp."

Then a sudden idea came to Silas Tripp, and he paused in weighing out
the butter.

"Did my nephew leave any money?" he asked, sharply.

"Yes, sir."

"Th