Silas K. Hocking

“ For this they were to pay a penny per night.
"We mustna make paupers o' them, you know, Betty," was Joe's remark.
It was also agreed that she should do what washing and mending the children's clothes needed, for which they were to pay also, if they could afford it. If not," said Joe, "I'll make it square wi' you, Betty."
Punctually at six o'clock the children put in an appearance at Joe's hut. They had had but poor luck during the day, and Benny did not feel nearly so courageous as he had felt two days before. ”

“ Don't yer think you'd better go home again to-night?" he said; and he watched eagerly for the effect of his question. Nelly was the first to speak.
"Oh, no," she said; "we should get it worse nor ever. Dad would almost kill Benny." And the tears welled up into her eyes again.
"I's not goin' to risk it," said Benny, stoutly. "I's 'ad hidings enough to last me a lifetime."
"Ay, ay," said Joe. "I wonder, now——" And he looked reflectively into the fire.
"What are 'e a-wonderin' on?" queried Benny.
But Joe was silent. He had evidently got hold of some idea which he was trying to work out. ”

“ To men and angels only given.
⁠To all the lower world denied.
⁠Samuel Johnson.
The experiences of Benny and his sister during the next day were but a repetition of what we recorded in the last chapter; but during the second night they found the shelter of the boat but a poor substitute for a home, and in the morning they were stiff and cramped through lying so long in one position; and when they paid Joe Wrag their third morning visit, the old man noticed that all was not right with them. Nelly especially was gloomy and depressed. ”