rfectly happy. But he was
doing a deed that would rejoice her heart; he was doing just what she
had done for him; he was doing just what she would have done, if she
had been there.

"She hoped he would be a good boy." His conscience told him he had
been a good boy--that he had been true to himself, and true to the
noble example she had set before him.

While the family were still at supper, Harry, lighting another candle,
went down cellar to pay his respects to those big logs. He was a stout
boy, and accustomed to the use of the axe. By slow degrees he chipped
off the logs, until they were used up, and a great pile of serviceable
wood was before him. Not content with this, he carried up several
large armfuls of it, which he deposited by the fireplace in the room.

"Now, marm, I don't know as I can do anything more for you to-night,"
said he, moving towards the door.

"The Lord knows you have done enough," replied the poor woman. "I hope
we shall be able to pay you for what you have done."

"I don't want anything, marm."

"If we can't pay you, the Lord will reward you."

"I am paid enough already. I hope you will get better, marm."

"I hope so. I feel better to-night than I have felt before for a
week."

"Good night, marm! Good night, Katy!" And Harry hurried back to the
stable.

"Where have you been, Harry?" asked Abner, when he entered the
ostler's room.

"I have been out a little while."

"I know that. The old man wanted you; and when he couldn't find you,
he was mad as thunder."

"Where is he?" said Harry, somewhat annoyed to find that, while he had
been doing his duty in one direction, he had neglected his duty in
another.

"In the counting room. You will catch fits for going off."

Whatever he should catch, he determined to "face the music," and left
the room to find his employer.

CHAPTER XV

IN WHICH HARRY MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A VERY IMPORTANT PERSONAGE

Major Phillips was in the counting room, where Harry, dreading his
anger, presented himself before him. His employer was a violent man.
He usually acted first, and thought the matter over afterwards; so
that he frequently had occasion to undo what had been done in haste
and passion. His heart was kind, but his temper generally had the
first word.

"So you have come, Harry," exclaimed he, as our hero opened the door.
"Where have you been?"

"I have been out a little while," replied Harry, whose modesty
rebelled at the idea