"Evidently not a lazy boy," he told himself, "and one who is willing to aid his parents. That is the sort I like."
"He is a very nice man," said Mrs. Thompson, when the visitor had departed. "Randy, you were fortunate to make such a friend."
"Yes. But, mother, I think we ought to pay back that money some day."
"I can do that—when I am able to go at carpentering again," put in Mr. Thompson.
After that a week passed quietly enough. Randy worked early and late and got the little farm in good shape and also visited Jack and bade his friend good-by.
"Maybe I'll get a position on one of the Hudson River boats," said our hero.
"If you do, and you stop at Albany, you must come and see me," answered Jack, and gave his new address.
On the following Monday came a letter from Andrew Shalley. It was short and to the point and read in part as follows:
"All I can offer you at present is the position of a deckhand on my steamboat, the Helen Shalley. If you wish to accept that I will pay you twenty dollars per month and your board at the start, and more when you are experienced. If you wish to accept, write to me and come on to Nyack, to my office."
"Here's an offer at last!" cried Randy, as he read the communication. He had been fearful that Andrew Shalley might forget him.