"I hope it isn't so bad as that," he said. "Well, do you agree?"
"To come here as your guardian?"
"Yes, if you put it in that way."
"You are very kind to me," said our hero, changing his tone and speaking earnestly. "I am a poor boy, and don't know much. I'm afraid you'll be ashamed of introducing me to your friends."
"Friends! I have no friends that care for me. They care for my money, and are jolly enough; but, if I needed help, they wouldn't give it. I don't know why it is, but I like you. You saved my life this morning, and I would rather have you live with me than any one I know. So, when your clothes are dry, go round to the hotel, and bring your trunk here."
"I haven't got any trunk," said Tom. "I wouldn't have any use for one. I've got a carpet-bag."
"Very well. Bring that. Now you must do me a favor."
"All right. Only if it's to lend you a hundred dollar bill, I'm afraid I couldn't do it."
"I hope some time you will be rich enough to grant such favor; but that isn't the favor I meant."
"What is it?"