"I'm cross, boy, to think that you didn't come to the house and ask for a bed."
"I didn't like to, sir. I didn't like to bother anybody. But I knew whoever owned the barn wouldn't mind if I slept here. It's a comfortable place, and I was tired."
"Did you have any supper last night?" the man asked, looking keenly into Dan's face.
"Yes, sir; a piece of bread."
"What, nothing more?"
"No. But I had a grand drink from that spring back yonder, and with the good sleep I've had, I think I can manage to-day."
"Look here, boy, you'll not leave this place until you have your breakfast. So come. Marion, you found this little stranger, and you must take him to the house."
But Dan drew back, as the little maiden toddled up to take him by the hand.
"I can't go," he stammered. "I've got no money, and I won't be a sponger."
"A what?" asked the man.