“A friend,” answered Joe. “It's all paid for.”
“I am very thankful.”
“Now we can have some bread, can't we?” queried the boy.
“Yes, and a bit of smoked beef and cheese, too,” said the mother, and placing the sleeping baby on a bed, she proceeded to deal out the good things to her children.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE TIMID MR. GUSSING.
It was not until the children had been satisfied and put to bed that Joe had a chance to talk to Mrs. Cullum. She was greatly astonished when she learned who he was.
“I didn't expect this kindness,” said she. “I understand that my husband treated you shamefully.”
“It was the liquor made him do it ma'am,” answered our hero. “I think he'd be all right if he'd leave drink alone.”