Her husband laid his hand upon his shoulder. "Thou knowest, lad, thereis the little grave out yonder. Thee should'st have his place in ourhearts and home. Would'st thee be content to bide, John?"

Harold Randolph glanced at his friends with shining eyes. "You have done megood for life!" he exclaimed, "but the world calls me, I must go. I mean towork my way through college, and be a physician, Mr. Makepeace."

"So! so! Well, we mustn't stand in the way, Ruth. Thee'll make a goodone, John. But how art thee going to manage it, lad?"

"The Steel Works in Marlborough pay good wages. I mean to get a placethere if I can, and study in the evenings."

"Why, Harold, lad, the Steel Works shut down yesterday afternoon."

For an instant the brave spirit quailed, only for an instant. "Then Imust find something else," he exclaimed quietly.

"It's a bad season, John, and the times are hard." Joseph Makepeacethought for a moment. "There's friend Harris up the river. What dostthee skinnyk, Ruth?"

"Why, he wants men to pile wood," exclaimed his wife. "Thee would'st notset Harold at that!"

"Lincoln split rails," exclaimed Harold with a smile, "why should not I pilethem? It's clean work, and honest, Mrs. Makepeace."