The Hero of Hill House

the engines. Mr. Hill was in the house much of the time, and he was never pleasant among his children. Austin could not work in the woods because of the rain, and his presence irrita

ince his presence made the home so filled with conte

a day's work in weeks. I can't stand your idleness much longer. Why can you not b

top to the whole affair. When his father had gone to the engine-room he went to the attic and brought down his best suit of clothes a

morning, for I am going to use the

e them, Amy, but it

ou always want to do just your wa

Father said this mo

he is always saying," she s

nd again, for I am going to find work and n

l we children do!" exclaimed Amy, all

o angry all the time. I will get work on the river if I can, and

the engine-room and told his father what had occurred. Henry Hill was vexed because Austin's wages no longer came in; but he had no thought of sending the boy away. He knew too well that Austin's presence was needed in the home. But the seed of animosity that had been sown in his heart against Austin during the past summer was now bearing

e bathed in tears and his breast heaving with sobs. "Papa, Austi

ssible that Austin had such an idea in his head? If so, he would soon

dings and stamped into the kitchen. Austin was on his knees fastening his suitcase, which was all packed and ready for his start. He had not meant to bid his father good-by, n

there is going to be no running away from this ranch! You get tha

ke care of myself from this time on," sai

ld not exist a month on your own resources. You take

ed not try to hinder me," sa

rry loved Austin he dare not disobey his father's command. Turning again to Austin, the man thundered, "I'll thrash you

children a hasty farewell, he bolted out of the door and across the lot to freedom. He had been running as hard as he could go when still he heard the wails of the children and heard them calling to him. He took a course across the unbroken lands where there was not so much as a foot-path. In his timber-cutting he had become familiar wit

over his shoe-tops. And he remembered too that he had not a penny in his pockets, nor a bite to eat. A more forlorn boy could not be found than Austin as he stood there a

to get work. As he came up he wished in his heart that the man would ask him no questions about his condition; for he saw that besides the wet and mud, he had torn his clothes in several places. But he was determined that if any questions

ospitably invited the boy in. It was a temptation; but Austin remembered his sopp

rk. Have you anythin

who wanted work a few weeks

ht have something for me late

man over at town last night, and he will be here today to begi

ope of getting work at any of the other farms, and he did not know where to go. But he determined to

uld he go back and face his father? He knew the taunts he would receive even if he were not beaten; but he would bear all that if it was his duty. Then there came to his mind the picture of his father that day he had come home after his drunken spree and found the boys trying to start th