When he saw Andy, in his traveling garb, with his little bundle of clothes under his arm, his eyes lighted up with hope, and he immediately accosted him.
“Where are you traveling, my boy?” he asked, eagerly.
“I have come from the East,” answered Andy. “I shall stay here, if I can find a place.”
“Would you be willing to work on a farm?” asked the old man.
“Yes,” answered our hero. “I hear that there is a farmer named Brackett who wants to hire a boy. Do you know where he lives?”
“Yes—yes, I can tell you. I am Mr. Brackett’s father-in-law,” said the old man, quickly.
Andy looked about him cautiously, to make sure that no one could overhear him, and said, in a low voice:
“Then you are my mother’s uncle—Mr. Dodge!”
The old man’s face lighted up with satisfaction.
“So I thought,” he answered. “I thought you were Mary’s son as soon as I looked at you. My dear boy, I am glad, heartily glad, to see you!”