"How much are you accustomed to receive?" Uncle John had asked.
"Nothing 'tall, sir, since Cap'n Wegg died," was the reply. "We was glad
enough to have a home, Nora an' me, 'thout 'spectin' wages."
"And there was no one here for you to serve," mused Uncle John. "But in
Captain Wegg's day, how much did he give you?"
Thomas hesitated, and his smile wavered an instant.
"My old master was also my old friend," said he, in a low voice; "an' I
ast him fer little money because my needs were little."
"Well, the conditions are now different," remarked Uncle John,
carelessly; "and while you are in my employ you shall have your wages
regularly. Will ten dollars a week be satisfactory?"
"Oh, sir!"
"And five for Nora."
"You are too good, sir. I--I--"
"Never mind, Thomas. If you want more at any time let me know."
It was then, as the old man took the fifteen dollars extended to him,
that Beth noted a flash in the mild blue eyes and a trembling of the
horny hands. Hucks was very glad to get the money; there was little
doubt of that.
She spoke of this incident to Louise, and the following morning they
tested the man again. All three girls being present, Beth tendered Old
Hucks two dollars, saying it was intended as a slight mark of her
appreciation of his attention.
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