The Hero of Hill House

d sweetness in handling his own money. He found a keen pleasure in this that gave him a thirst for money-making, which was certain to assert itself at the first opport

all that he could obtain, the supplying of a family of seven with food and clothes was no small burden. Henry Hill was not a common workman, but was capable of making good money, and had been favored with an opening which brought in plenty for the needs of his family. It was not necess

osition in one of the village stores. At this time he was just past fourteen, stood nearly six feet tall, and was well

imple 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 overs

ily with plenty of good, wholesome food. His father was glad to have him do this, and withheld his own money, allowing Austin to assume th

n 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

sked a gentleman of the proprie

now. I will call him. Austin." The

received complaints about your family. I am told that your father is away and that the children a

is 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

ly want to know that the children a

is not true. If you do not wish to go alone, take

te. I am sorry I have wounded you so much, bu

ho had uttered the complaint he was certain, but which one could be so base and false he could not guess. Never before had he had occasion to think he had enemies. Till now every one had seemed to be full of faith in him. What had he done to break their confidence? Not once did it occur to him that even if the reports had been true, he would not have been to blame. No one was accusing him of

and a real cause for concern made bare. Austin was gone all day long, being at home but a few moments at noon. The children, when not in school, found the house lonely and dull. They had

n found in the kitchen of this near neighbor, and, as one can easily see, the cooking of this woman would taste better to them than what they prepared at home themselves, and they were always glad for anything to eat they could get. This woman noticed the tendency of the children to s

ngered her considerably. Why, we can not say, but she and her family vented their chi

. Because he was so little older than the girls, he could not see why they should not feel some of the responsibility that loaded him. He could not

ped to the screen and latched it, not wishing him to come in among the children in that condition. The fellow was in a terrible anger, and, reeling up to the door, he said, "I want you, Austin H

condition to fight, and I have done nothing

can put the lie on us as you have. Come out and let us set

e more. His problem seemed too hard for him to solve. That night his pillow was wet with tears, and he longed for his mother to advise him. Though surrounded by his father's people, he had little help or encouragement from

anagement of the children-and he made many mistakes, for he w

on him and bade him stand by the children. He took courage and the next morning was ready to face life again. Austin loved the children