"La, no; I don't s'pose he knew hisself. He had a stick over his shoulder, and his bundle hung on the end on't, and that's all I can tell ye."
The boy turned without a word, and walked away. He knew now why his father came to the farm again so soon after his first visit; and why he consented so easily that the Squire should send him to school. He had resolved to quit his old home forever.
All this he told Mrs. Taylor that night, and ended with a sigh.
"I don't suppose he and I shall ever see each other again. He wasn't so bad till mammy came."
About a week after he reached the school, his teacher wrote Mr. Curtis,
"Patrick Riley arrived here a few days after the term commenced, and has conducted himself in such a manner as to win the approbation of all his teachers. I agree with you, that he will make a smart man; and from present appearances, I hope also, a useful one. I mentioned to him that I intended to write you, and was gratified to notice that he is not destitute of gratitude for all you have done to improve his condition. He requested me to express his thanks, also to your son, who he says first awoke in him a desire to become an honest boy, and likewise to Mrs. Taylor. Patrick is taking hold of his lessons with a will, and hopes to write you soon.
"Respectfully yours,
"Johnathan Haven."
This letter was read with great interest by all the family; but there was no one who rejoiced so much at Pat's good conduct as Bertie.