Paul was delighted by the commendation of his friend, and the splendid scheme of his future operations increased in importance with every word that was uttered. With a light heart he ran into the kitchen with his stock, and then returned to Captain Littleton.
"Here is two dollars, Paul," said he, handing him a bill.
"That is too much, sir," stammered Paul, overwhelmed at the idea of having made two dollars in one day.
"It is right, my boy; take it. You mustn't be bashful if you are going to fight your way through the world."
"You are very kind, sir, but this is more than the fish come to," answered Paul, taking the bill.
"No, it isn't; the perch come to a dollar and twenty cents, the tautog to seventy-five, which make a dollar and ninety-five cents. So we will call it square, and I am very much obliged to you besides."
"I didn't mean to charge you any thing for the tautog, sir."
"Look here, Paul; when you get rich I will accept your gifts; but now, my boy, I will take the will for the deed, and I feel just as grateful to you as though you had presented me a service of plate. You have done well, and I am glad of it."
"Thank you, sir; I am very much obliged to you for this, and for all you have done for my mother," replied Paul, as he put the bank bill in his pocket.