"What do you think about it, Fred?" Sam asked, in a whisper.
"I don't like to yank him out, no matter what he tried to do to me."
"Nor I."
"Then why not let him stay? He'll get punishment enough by hiding here alone in the darkness with nothing to eat."
"But we shall have to give him a little grub. We can't think he's hungry when we're got plenty."
"I'll agree to whatever you say."
Sam was silent for a moment, and then turning to the kneeling boy, he asked:
"Could you find your way out of here?"
"I might if I had a lamp; but the oil has all been burned in mine."
"How long do you count on staying?"