"Yes, I have come to take care of you, and to see that you suffer no more from poverty."
Mr. Bates stooped down and pressed a kiss upon the boy's forehead.
"I can see Irene's look in his eyes," he said. "It is all the proof I need that he is my grandchild."
It was arranged that in three days, for he had some business to transact, he should go back to Milwaukie carrying Mark with him. He went round to Mr. Baker's store the next morning with his grandson and explained to him why he should be obliged to withdraw him from his employ.
"I am sorry to lose him," said Mr. Baker. "He is quick and attentive to his duties, and has given me excellent satisfaction; but I am glad of his good fortune."
"It gives me pleasure to hear so good an account of him," said Mr. Bates. "Though he will be under no necessity of taking another situation, but will for several years devote himself to study, the same good qualities for which you give him credit will insure his satisfactory progress in school."
CHAPTER XXVI.
CONCLUSION.