It was only the danger of startling Willy too suddenly that prevented the amazed father from snatching the book out of his hand.
"Yes, the ox-money is here," said Willy, patting the notes, which lay between the leaves.
How do you suppose he could see them, with his eyes fixed and vacant?
Then he seemed to be considering for a space what to do; but at last put the singing-book back again in the chink behind the bottles, clambered down from the stool, and taking his favorite seat in the red chair, began to warm his little cold feet before the fire.
"Well, that beats all!" exclaimed Dr. Hilton, before any one else could get breath to speak.
Mr. Parlin went at once to the cupboard, and took down the singing-book.
"The money is safe and sound," said he, as he looked it over,—"safe and sound; and Caleb Cushing is an honest man, thank the Lord!"
"Three cheers for Caleb!" said Dr. Hilton.
"Three cheers for Kellup!" cried one of the teamsters.
And quite forgetting the sleeping child, the rest of the teamsters took up the toast, and shouted,—