"What is the matter?" asked his mother, with maternal solicitude.
"I am as hungry as a bear. Have you got anything to eat in the house?"
This hint was enough. Fresh tea was made, and the wanderer was soon sitting before a bountiful supply of food, cooked in his mother's best style.
"It seems good to be at home," said Tom, looking around him, his face beaming with happiness.
"Did you get my letter, Tom, announcing the squire's intention to foreclose the mortgage?" asked his father, gravely.
"Yes, father; is it really true?"
"Yes; he will listen to no persuasions."
"When does the sale take place?"
"To-morrow."
"I shall be present. Have you thought of any other house, father?"