TOM ASKS A LOAN.
"I don't know what service you can do me," said Squire Hudson incredulously.
His manner implied: "I am a rich man and you are a poor boy. How can you possibly serve me?"
"Have you lost anything lately?" inquired Tom, coming at once to business.
I suppose most men, when asked such a question, would first think of their pocket-books. It was so with Squire Hudson. He hastily thrust his hand into his pocket, and found—a large hole, through which, doubtless, the wallet had slipped.
"I have lost my wallet," he said anxiously. "Have you found it?"
In reply Tom produced the missing article. The squire took it hurriedly, and, at once opening it, counted the money. It was all there, and he heaved a sigh of relief, for he was a man who cared for money more than most people.
"Where did you find it?" he asked.
Tom answered the question.
"It is very fortunate you came along before anyone else saw it. I rode that way on horse-back this morning. I told Mrs. Hudson that my pocket needed repairing, but she put it off, according to her usual custom. If it had not been found, I would have kept her on short allowance for a year to come."