Under the influence of his surprise and pleasure he took up his hand full of letters and went directly to Ishmael's room. He found the youth seated in his arm-chair engaged in reading.
"What have you there?" inquired Judge Merlin.
Ishmael smiled and turned the title-page to his questioner.
"Humph! 'Coke upon Lyttleton.' Lay it down, Ishmael, and attend to me," said the judge, drawing a chair and seating himself beside the youth.
Ishmael immediately closed the book and gave the most respectful attention.
"I am very much pleased with the manner in which you have accomplished your task, Ishmael. You have done your work remarkably well! So well that I should like to give you longer employment," he said.
Ishmael's heart leaped in his bosom.
"Thank you, sir; I am very glad you are satisfied with me," he replied.
"Let us see now, this is the fifteenth of October; I shall remain here until the first of December, when we go to town; a matter of six weeks; and I shall be glad, Ishmael, during the interval of my stay here, to retain you as my assistant. What say you?"
"Indeed, sir, I shall feel honored and happy in serving you."