Oliver Optic

“ He did not look as if he could speak a pleasant word, even if he tried ever so hard.
“What do you want here?” growled the old man, in a tone that made the little girls tremble with fear.
“Please, sir, I am very dry. Will you please to let me have a drink of water?”
“There is the well; you can [Pg 26] help yourself,” replied Uncle Ben, in much gentler tones than before.
“Thank you, sir; we won’t tread on any thing, nor do a bit of harm.”
Flora thought Uncle Ben was trying to smile as she turned to go; but she was certain he did not smile. ”

“ UNCLE BEN’S STORY.
“When I was a young man, I went out on a whaling voyage. I suppose you don’t know much about whaling; so I will tell you. The oil which you burn in your lamps is the fat of the whale. It is ‘tried out,’ just as they do hog’s fat.
“A whale is a great big fish; some of them are a good deal longer than my barn [Pg 55] there. Ships that go out to catch whales are often three or four years away from home, and go off thousands of miles.
“The ship has a great many boats, which are hoisted up at the sides. The men go out in the boats, and when they catch a whale, tow it to the ship. ”

“ Uncle Ben then led them to an apple tree near the house. Seating himself on the ground, the children gathered around him, and he began the story. The little folks could scarcely believe that he was the cross old man, whom almost every body hated, for he looked as good natured as any body could look. ”

“ When the ship reaches any part of the ocean where whales are found, men are sent up to the cross-trees to look out.
“When a whale is seen, one of the men calls out, ‘There she blows!’ This great fish draws water into his mouth, and then blows it up in the air ”

“ It seemed very sad for an [Pg 11] old man like him to work so hard for a living. The town, or the people, of Riverdale would very gladly have helped him with money or provisions, but he was too proud to take any thing from them. People pitied him, and wanted to do something for him; but he was angry when any one offered to give him any thing.
The folks in Riverdale had a habit of calling Mr. Gorham [Pg 12] Uncle Ben, though for what reason I am unable to say; for not many of them liked him very well, and when any of the children came upon his land, he drove them away. ”

“ The boats are often [Pg 82] out all night, and the men have to row, when they are so sleepy and tired that they can hardly hold their heads up.
“Well, I had been out in the boat all the night before, and I was just as tired as a man could be. I could hardly keep my eyes open, as I sat at the side of the poor sick boy; but I did not once lose myself while I was on this duty.
“At twelve o’clock, finding [Pg 83] that George slept easily, I called one of my shipmates to take my place. He was very willing to do so ”

“ He had bought the old house in which he lived, together with the few acres of land around it. He had very little money, and the people of Riverdale thought he must have a hard time to get along. He worked on the land, and raised fruits and vegetables, which he sold in the village. ”

“ While they were trying, they saw Uncle Ben leave his work, and walk over to the well. [Pg 31] They wondered what he was coming for, as they could not believe that one so cross as people said he was would think of helping them.
“That is rather too hard work for such little girls,” said he, as he pulled down the sweep, and then drew up the bucket full of water.
“Thank you, sir,” said Flora. “You are so kind!”
“What is your name, my [Pg 32] little girl?” asked Uncle Ben, pleasantly.
“Flora Lee, sir; and this is Nellie Green.”
“You have been in the pasture—haven’t you?” ”

“ What has happened?”
“Nothing, mother; only Uncle Ben has been telling us a very sad story about a handsome [Pg 92] sailor boy, who was killed at sea by a whale,” replied Frank.
“Who told you the story—Uncle Ben?” asked Mrs. Lee, very much surprised.
“Yes, mother,” replied Flora. “He is a real nice man, and not a bit cross when you don’t bother him.”
The children told their father and mother all about the events of the afternoon, and [Pg 93] how kind Uncle Ben had been to them. Mr. ”