'Oh,' said his mother, laying down her work, and clasping her hands together in strong emotion, 'isn't this good! And now, Sam, you'll have something to do all the time, and may be, your father will help you; and may be he'll feel encouraged to do different; and may be——.' But the hope of what might be, was too bright for her to utter it; and so she sat and looked at Sam, and then she turned and looked out at the window; and who can tell what a pleasing picture was painted out before her on the sandy shore and the glassy river.
Sam had designed that his mother should keep the money, and use it for their need; but she refused.
'No, no; keep it yourself, Sam; or, if you please, hand it to your father. I see he's coming yonder, and all seems to be right with him.'
And so it proved; he had been to work for a neighbor where no restraint would have been placed upon his appetite; but, strange to say, he had not indulged. He had received no money for his services, for there was seldom any of that to be got; but he had a bunch of fish in one hand, and a kettle with flour in the other.
'Why, Sam, you got back? that is clever. What luck? not much, I guess.'
Sam made no reply, but as soon as his father had laid down his things he handed out his little store.
'Here, father, please to take this.'
'Why, Sam, you didn't sell your things for all this, did you?'
And then Sam told him all the story, while his father looked in amazement at the money, and at Sam, and then at his wife; as soon as he had finished he held out his hand.
'Here, my boy, go give it to your mother; it's better with her than with me.'