“I hope you’ll get it.”
So the two boys parted, and Andy kept on. He felt considerably more comfortable now that he had eaten a hearty dinner, but did not feel like walking rapidly. There was plenty of time to get to Cato, for he was not over five miles away.
“I guess I’ll go round to see Mr. Brackett to-night,” thought our hero, “so as to reach him before he has had a chance to hire another boy. I expect, from Peter’s account, I shan’t have a very pleasant time, but I shall soon see how the land lies, and whether there is any chance of helping uncle Simon or not. If I don’t get enough to eat, there’s one comfort—I have money in my pocket, and I can buy something outside. Money’s a pretty good friend, under all circumstances.”
Arrived in the village, Andy walked slowly along the road, keeping his eyes wide open.
A little in advance of him he saw an old man, with white hair, who was walking slowly, and appeared rather feeble.
“I shouldn’t be surprised if that is uncle Simon,” he thought. “I’ll speak to him, and try to find out.”
CHAPTER XXIX.
SIMON DODGE.
Andy quickened his pace until he found himself walking beside the old gentleman. He was in doubt how to address him, in order to ascertain whether it was really his mother’s uncle. If he were not, he must be on his guard not to say anything which might excite the suspicions of any one as to his having a special purpose in visiting Cato. The way was made easy for him, however.
The old man was Simon Dodge, and he was in daily expectation of the appearance of his niece’s son.