'Oh, Sam, Jim is going to set up a store, and do all manner of things.'
Jim and Sam could stand no more; so they broke out into a hearty fit of laughter. Sam, supposing it to be a joke, took no farther notice of the matter.
'You make me laugh, Ned, whether I will or no; but I don't feel much like laughing just now.'
'Why, what's the matter, Sam?' said both boys at once.
'There has nothing happened to me; but I have just been talking with Bill Andrews—he feels pretty bad. Bill is in trouble.'
'There, Jim; I told you so. Don't you remember the day your boat was put into the water, Sam? I saw then that something was the matter with Bill.'
'I hope he has not taken to any of his old ways.'
'Oh, no, Jim; I don't think Bill will ever take to them again. But you know Bill's mother?'
'She has not turned him away, has she?'
'No, Ned, not exactly; but I am afraid he will go away.'