nce between a father and a mother, Sir,' said
Rob, after faltering for a moment. 'He couldn't hardly believe yet that
I was doing to do better--though I know he'd try to but a mother--she
always believes what's,' good, Sir; at least I know my mother does, God
bless her!'

Mr Carker's mouth expanded, but he said no more until he was mounted
on his horse, and had dismissed the man who held it, when, looking down
from the saddle steadily into the attentive and watchful face of the
boy, he said:

'You'll come to me tomorrow morning, and you shall be shown where that
old gentleman lives; that old gentleman who was with me this morning;
where you are going, as you heard me say.'

'Yes, Sir,' returned Rob.

'I have a great interest in that old gentleman, and in serving him, you
serve me, boy, do you understand? Well,' he added, interrupting him, for
he saw his round face brighten when he was told that: 'I see you do. I
want to know all about that old gentleman, and how he goes on from day
to day--for I am anxious to be of service to him--and especially who
comes there to see him. Do you understand?'

Rob nodded his steadfast face, and said 'Yes, Sir,' again.

'I should like to know that he has friends who are attentive to him,
and that they don't desert him--for he lives very much alone now, poor
fellow; but that they are fond of him, and of his nephew who has gone
abroad. There is a very young lady who may perhaps come to see him. I
want particularly to know all about her.'

'I'll take care, Sir,' said the boy.

'And take care,' returned his patron, bending forward to advance his
grinning face closer to the boy's, and pat him on the shoulder with the
handle of his whip: 'take care you talk about affairs of mine to nobody
but me.'

'To nobody in the world, Sir,' replied Rob, shaking his head.

'Neither there,' said Mr Carker, pointing to the place they had just
left, 'nor anywhere else. I'll try how true and grateful you can be.
I'll prove you!' Making this, by his display of teeth and by the action
of his head, as much a threat as a promise, he turned from Rob's eyes,
which were nailed upon him as if he had won the boy by a charm, body
and soul, and rode away. But again becoming conscious, after trotting a
short distance, that his devoted henchman, girt as before, was yielding
him the same attendance, to the great amusement of sundry spectators,
he reined up, and ordered him off. To ensure his obedience, he turned