“I wouldn't mind what they said as long as you are getting an honest living.”
“How do you happen to be out here?” asked Eben.
His story was told in a few words.
“You are always in luck!” said Eben, enviously. “I wish I had your chance. Is Mr. Melville very rich?”
“He is rich; but I don't know how rich.”
“Do you think he'd lend me money enough to get home?”
“I don't know.”
“Will you ask him?”
“I will tell him that you made the request, Eben,” answered Herbert, cautiously. “Have you applied to your father?”
“To the old man? Yes. He hasn't any more heart than a grindstone,” said Eben, bitterly. “What do you think he wrote me?”