“I presume she furnished all the courage that was necessary. But you'd be surprised to see him. He's handsome, and can walk as well as anybody; and I believe he's going to be a great man.”
“I'm sure I wish him well.”
“Pearl says that he is a born leader—that the new spirit is in him. I think that girl is lucky.”
“I hope that you will stick to him,” said my mother. “You see I have a new motto on the wall.”
It occupied a prominent place above the mantel—a yard of wisdom in letters of red silk:
STICK TO NOTHING AND NOTHING WILL STICK TO YOU
It was rather good counsel for a boy, and, in truth, I had begun to share the uneasiness which, beyond doubt, had inspired this gentle reproof.
“I'm glad you thought of that motto, for I want you to stick to me,” I suggested. “Mr. Pearl says that as soon as I get my hand in you should come and live with me, both of you.”
“Mr. Pearl is a mystery,” said my mother. “Sometimes I think I have seen him before, but I cannot place him. The goggles cover his eyes so, and I have heard his voice but once.”
I gathered all my clothing and treasures and packed them into my trunk, and when we were ready to go to bed my mother gave me the horruck.