"No, miss; I don't think I should like that."
"What lots of adventures you must have had! You must stay to dinner, and afterwards you can tell me of some."
"I don't think I could, thank you, miss, all the same," said Bill, alarmed at the suggestion. "Not but I'd be glad to spin you a yarn some time."
Just then Charlie bethought himself of his companion.
"Mother," said he, "you must let me introduce to you my good friend, Bill Sturdy. You don't know how kind he has been to me."
"I am quite ready to believe it," said Mrs. Codman, holding out her hand quickly.
Bill took it shyly in his.
"I thank you most heartily for all you have done for my dear boy," said she.
"Anybody that wasn't a brute would have done as much, ma'am."