Amy and Nell were little misses of twelve and ten, pretty, dainty girls, full of life and activity. Their mother had begun their education in housework, and they had helped Austin since he had been taking the lead. They knew how to do all the simple household duties needful for their humble home. They could also cook simple meals quite well, and so far as knowledge of proceedings was concerned were able to keep up the housework. Austin was at home in the morning and evening and oversaw their work, helping with the heavier part. Working thus together they got along very well. But you must not suppose that these children were able to keep their home as an older person would have done. Always there was lacking the mother-touch.
When Austin saw how well the girls did, he felt satisfied to go to the store each morning, and his wages were sufficient to supply the family with plenty of good, wholesome food. His father was glad to have him do this, and withheld his own money, allowing Austin to assume the responsibility. Seeing that all was going so well, he would be away days at a time, and always when he returned everything was prospering.
Mr. Hill was apparently contented for a short while, but soon he had another attack of wanderlust, and, giving up his good position, he went into an adjoining State where an oil-boom was on and much work was to be had. He left the family as before in Austin’s care, and also this time failed to provide means for their support while he was gone. He was sure Austin would find a way to keep things going. Austin was thankful for his work and that he could keep the home up, and stayed steadily at his place every day.
“Does Austin Hill work here?” asked a gentleman of the proprietor of the store one afternoon.
“Yes. He is in the back of the store now. I will call him. Austin.” The boy answered, coming in immediately.
Taking him to one side, the man looked him over sharply and said: “I am a welfare officer and have received complaints about your family. I am told that your father is away and that the children are not being properly supported, in fact that they lack the food they should have. Is this a fact?”
Poor Austin! he stood in amazement, his face growing red and white by turns. He had been priding himself that he could do a man’s part by the children, and had been elated at his success, and here the people thought he was starving them! When he could find words, he answered, “It is not true, I assure you. My father is away, but he has not been gone long, and in that time we have had plenty. At this time the house is well stocked with food, as you will find if you search it. Go see for yourself that this report is not true.”
“No, I do not want to do that. I only want to know that the children are having plenty,” the man replied.
“But I want you to go. I want you to know that it is not true. If you do not wish to go alone, take my aunt with you. She lives near by,” Austin urged.
“Well, Austin, for your sake I will investigate. I am sorry I have wounded you so much, but I had to do something about it,” he answered.