That's all Snip
an' me ask for now, is just a chance to earn what we'll eat, an' a
place to sleep."

Aunt Hannah rose from the table quickly in apparently a preoccupied
manner, and the conversation was thus brought to an abrupt close.

Snip, who had already breakfasted most generously, scrambled to his
feet for another excursion into the wonderful fields where he might
chase butterflies to his heart's content, and Seth lingered by the
open doorway undecided as to what he should say or do.

Gladys began removing the dishes from the table, Aunt Hannah assisting
now and then listlessly, as if her mind was far away; and after two or
three vain efforts Seth managed to ask:

"How much will I have to pay for breakfast an' sleepin' in the barn?"

"Why, bless your heart, my boy, I wouldn't think of chargin' anything
for that," the little woman said, almost sharply.

"But we must pay our way, you know, though I ain't got such a dreadful
pile of money. I don't want folks to think we're regular tramps."

"You needn't fear anything of that kind yet a while, but if it would
make you feel more comfortable in mind to do something toward payin'
for the food which has been freely given, you may try your hand at
clearin' up the barn. Gladys an' I aim to keep it cleanly; but even at
the best it doesn't look as I would like to see it."

Seth sat about this task with alacrity, although not knowing exactly
what ought to be done; but the boy who is willing to work and eager to
please will generally succeed in his efforts, even though he be
ignorant as to the proper method.

It was while working at that end of the barn nearest the house at a
time when Aunt Hannah and Gladys were standing at the open window
washing the breakfast dishes, that he overheard, without absolutely
intending to do so, a certain conversation not meant for his ears.

It is true he had no right to listen, and also true that the hum of
voices came to his ears several moments before he paid any attention
whatsoever, or made an effort to distinguish the words.

Then that which he heard literally forced him to listen for more.

It was Aunt Hannah who said, evidently in reply to a suggestion from
Gladys:

"It is a pity and a shame to see a child like that poor little lame
boy wandering about the country trying to find work, when he isn't
fitted for anything of the kind. But how could we give him a home
here, my dear?"

"I am sure it wouldn't cost you anything,