"Who brought yez here?"
"A man."
"A man," came the echo.
"An' he gave me this," and the boy held out a piece of soiled paper, which he had been clutching in his right hand.
Abner took the note, unfolded it, and holding it close to the light, read the following:
"Abner Andrews:
"If you are determined to have a Home at Ash Point, you can begin work at once. Here are two young town rats for your care. What do you think of them?"
That was all, and as Abner stood staring at the note, the light of comprehension dawned upon his mind. In fact he stood there so long that he forgot the waiting lads. He was aroused, however, by a light touch upon his arm, and a tired voice saying,
"We're hungry."
"We're hungry," came the response.