ht of Bert's
discoveries he told me to take the risk. So here I am. May I stay?"

"Do you need to ask that?" said Mrs. Barton, with an affectionate glance
at her husband. "There is no place where you have a better right to be."

Then, as she thought of her scanty means, a momentary look of anxiety
overspread her face lest she should not be able to provide him with the
medicines and nourishing food that he required. Uncle Jacob, who was a
keen observer, read her thoughts, and reassured her by saying: "Mr.
Barton is provided with what money may be required for at least a month,
and after that time I think some more can be found."

"But, Uncle Jacob, I cannot consent to impose upon your liberality any
further. You have but a small sum of money yourself. What would happen
to you if you should fall sick?"

"I think I should follow your husband's example, and come here to be
nursed back to health," replied Uncle Jacob.

"What am I to say to the neighbors, for they will be sure to inquire?"

"Say that you are taking care of a sick gentleman from New York."

"It will not do to give his real name?"

"No; call me Mr. Robinson, as you did on my former visit," said Mr.
Barton.

"Now that this matter is arranged, can you take care of us both
to-night?" asked Uncle Jacob.

"Yes, there is Bert's room."

"Then I will trespass upon your hospitality for one night."

"Can't you stay longer, Uncle Jacob?"

"No, I must get back to business. I must not run any risk of losing my
situation, you know."

"To be sure not," said Mrs. Barton, earnestly. "Do you like your
employer, Uncle Jacob?"

"I have no reason to complain of him," answered the old man, with a
smile. "He lets me do about as I please."

"You were very lucky in getting in with him."

"As you say, I am in good luck. But I think I ought to get higher pay."

"It seems to me twelve dollars a week is a very good salary," said Mrs.
Barton, soberly. "You could save something out of that if you were not
so generous."

"I must think seriously of that, Mary. If I get mean and close-fisted,
you mustn't be surprised. It will be only because I follow your
advice."

"You can never become mean or close-fisted, Uncle Jacob. It isn't in
your nature to be either. But I hope you will be reasonably economical,
and not give away so much money to others."

"You are a good little woman, Mary," said Uncle Jacob, feelingly. "If
you are ever blessed with means, you will do just as