"No; it will help pay the rent, and I shall like to have Freddie here as a companion for Harry."

So it was arranged, and the little boy was provided with a happy and comfortable home at small expense.

Two days later Giles Packard sought out Rupert during an interval of the bell-boy's labors.

"How is the little boy?" asked the cattleman.

"He is well, and he seems to be happy. He thinks his father is away on a journey."

"The journey we must all take some time," said Packard, gravely. "Then you won't accept my help towards paying for the child's maintenance?"

"It won't be necessary, Mr. Packard. I am to pay only three dollars a week for his board."

"His clothing will cost something."

"Mrs. Benton will manage that. She says it won't cost over fifty dollars a year."