"By-the-way, what relation am I to this family?" asked Neal, presently. "If Hester is your mother, of course I must be your uncle. I hope you will all treat me with proper respect."
"I hope we shall be able to," said Cynthia, looking up with a saucy smile. She liked the new-comer immensely.
"Did you ever run an incubator?" asked Jack, after supper.
"Not I. Have you got one?"
"Yes. Come along down and see it."
They descended to the cellar, and Jack turned the eggs while he explained his methods to his new friend.
"Is there money in it?" asked Neal.
"Lots, I hope. But the trouble is, you've got to spend a lot to start with, and if you're not successful it's a dead loss. My first hatch went to smash."
"How would you like to take me into partnership? I want to make some money."
"First-rate."