The Hero of Hill House

toop and kiss the very earth under his feet, he was so glad to be at home again. He had not gone far till he saw familiar faces, but he did not stop, though all were glad to see him back

t on the ground, so light wa

come for him when he did come. Aunt Tillie had the Christmas dinner just ready to sit down to when the glad cry of the children announced Austin's arrival. All of them were at home that day t

suppose you thought we never intended to an

o long," answered Austin reproachfully, for

Uncle John bringing out the card Austin had written him from Captain A

s uncle with twinkling eyes, "you will have

o anything like that," said A

the card was from Wilbur, and that he had gotten into some trouble and wanted help. He is so trifling that

after a week or more wrote the letter

I had about forgotten the incident when a letter came from Amy telling us you had left home. Then we knew the S. O. S. was your call and waked im

stin cleared away, and he laughed with the rest at the queer mix-up. It re

le to tempt an appetite under any circumstances, and to Austin, who had absolute peace

s came into his view, and his own good fortune almost choked him. If only they, too, could have eaten with Aunt Tillie! And he r

happened and why he had left home. Mr. Moore could understand how Henry Hill had treated the boy, for he too had received evil for good at his hands. He w

can not see it our duty to bear your father's burdens. You are welcome here with us. To me you are like one of my

is father rang in his ears, "You could not exist a month on your own resources," and

re to live off your money, but I want to find work and support myself. I am strong en

et fifteen, and for a year you have not been in school to speak

possess is in that suitcase, and I need to earn something for myself right

. Prove that you can take care of yourself and after that look out for other things

ome about me. I do not want Papa to know w

wish. It will be hard on the children, but as

a place. This was not hard, for he was well known and universally liked. Those who would hire him knew him to be reliable beyond his years. The wages he received we

to them and bear their burdens. Not once did he contemplate entirely forsaking them. He believed the cloud which now overshadowed him and them would pass away and he again be welcome under the home ro

es, a neighbor of his uncle's, offered him a place for the summer at reasonable wages with the understanding that when the summer was over he might remain with him and attend school the coming winter, Austin thought it wise to accept the o

and everything there was to be done. He plowed and sowed and reaped, milked, and fed the calves an