Bill tried again to think the matter over in his mind, but he was getting warm and sleepy, and in a few minutes was sound off.
Two or three days later the lads had, to their great satisfaction, obtained a job. Walnuts were just coming in, and the boys were engaged to take off the green shucks. Bill was particularly pleased, for he had never before been taken on for such a job, and he considered it a sort of promotion. Five or six women were also employed, and as the group were standing round some great baskets Bill suddenly nudged his friend:
"I say, my eye, aint that little gal pretty?"
George looked up from his work and at once recognized the girl to whom he had restored the locket. Her eye fell on him at the same moment.
"There, papa!" she exclaimed. "I told you if you brought me down to the market I felt sure I should know the boy again if I saw him. That's him, the one looking down into the basket. But he knew me again, for I saw him look surprised when he noticed me."
The gentleman made his way through the women to George.
"My lad, are you the boy who restored the locket to my daughter three evenings ago?"
"Yes, sir," George said, coloring as he looked up. "I was standing close by when the boy took it, so I gave chase and brought it back, and that's all."
"You were off again in such a hurry that we hadn't time to thank you. Just come across to my daughter. I suppose you can leave your work for a minute?"
"Yes, sir. We are working by the job," George said, and looking rather shamefaced he followed the gentleman to the sidewalk.