"A sponger. I hate a sponger, and so did my father. I'll split wood for my breakfast if you'll let me, sir, for I am hungry."
"That's a bargain," said the man, much pleased at the spirit of the boy. "So hurry off now. I haven't much time to lose."
Proudly the little maiden conducted her charge to the house, and told in broken language about her marvellous find. Dan felt much at home with Marion's mother, and during breakfast he told her where he was going.
"What! to Rodgers & Peterson's camp!" exclaimed: the big man at the head of the table. "That's where I'm going myself, and that's why I'm up so early this morning. I'm glad to hear of that, for I'll have company."
"But I must split the wood," Dan insisted. "I shall try to earn my breakfast, but what about the ride?"
"Oh, I'll give you work along the way," laughed the man. "You'll have plenty to do, so don't worry."
While the horses were being harnessed Dan vigorously swung the axe in the wood-house. Perched upon the door-step Marion watched him with admiring eyes. He knew that she was looking at him, and his bosom swelled with pride. He was not a sponger, but a man working for his breakfast. At times he stole a glance at the little figure sitting there. "How pretty she is," he thought. "I wish I had a sister like her. He longed to stay there, to be near the little maiden, and to work for the big, kind man. He sighed as he laid down the axe, and gazed at the wood he had chopped.
"It ain't much," he remarked, as he stood ready to climb into the waggon. "Wish I had more time."
"It will do," responded the big man. "I am satisfied if you are."
Dan had no time to answer, for at that instant a little voice sounded forth. Looking quickly around he beheld Marion hurrying towards him holding in her hand a small rose.