“Yes, but where’s my five thousand coming from?”
“Out of my pocket, Small. ’Tain’t the first time I’ve set you up in business. And though you’ve failed many times, I’ve never lost a cent. You’ve paid me up principal and interest. And the money’s yours, when you want it to set things agoing. And if your agents won’t go in with you, why, I will; though where so much money’s coming from, I can’t exactly see.”
Small sprang to his feet, with eyes full of tears.
“Captain Thompson, you’re a friend worth having; you’ve put new life into me. I thought my best friend was gone when the old mill burnt; but I’m all right now.” And he seized Captain Thompson’s hand and shook it warmly.
“That’s all right, Small. Don’t say any more about it. And don’t let it leak out; I don’t like to have my doings known.”
“But they shall be known, you ugly old angel,” cried Hulda Prime, pouncing upon the Captain, and shaking his hand with energy.
“Hulda Prime, you here!” cried the astonished Captain; backing away and endeavoring to release his hand,—
“Yes, and I bless the Lord I am here, to see such a noble spirit. Captain Thompson, I’ve said hard things about you, and to your face, too; but I take ’em all back,—except about Harry—that I will stick to.”
Remembering what had been said about Harry, the Captain was not well pleased at the reservation.