“I’ve got to find my folks, sometime, but I’ll do the work first. Mebbe an hour’ll pay for it--’most!”--He looked hopefully into Miss Rachel’s face.
“Who are your folks?” she asked huskily.
By way of answer he handed out a soiled, crumpled envelope for her inspection on which was written, “Reverend John Hapgood.”
“Why--it’s father!”
“What!” exclaimed Tabitha.
Her sister tore the note open with shaking fingers.
“It’s from--Paul!” she breathed, hesitating a conscientious moment over the name. Then she turned her startled eyes on the boy, who was regarding her with lively interest.
“Do I belong to you?” he asked anxiously.
“I--I don’t know. Who are you--what’s your name?”
“Ralph Hapgood.”