The hermit was no longer reclining, but was seated in a rocking-chair—the only article of luxury which the poor dwelling contained.
"Good morning, sir!" said Mark. "I hope you are better."
"I am much better. But how does it happen that you come here in the morning? I supposed you were at work in the shoe factory."
"I have lost my place there; I was discharged this morning."
"Ha! how is that?"
Upon this Mark told the story of his encounter with the boys in the pasture.
"I suppose," he concluded, "that James got me discharged in revenge for my interfering with him."
"Then you regret what you did?" inquired the hermit.
"No, I don't," answered Mark, warmly. "I couldn't stand by and see Johnny beaten."
"You are right, and I respect you for what you did."