better or for worse, my little pigmy, you'll have to go with us until
we land those cousins of yours in Australia. Get up. I'll take you to
the kitchen, and there our cook will find so much for you to do, that
you won't have time for sad thoughts."

With these words he seized Peppo by the arm and led him to the kitchen,
where he gave him over to the cook. The fat cook with the big white
apron looked at the slender youth half angrily, half compassionately,
and grumbled:

"That little Chinaman is to give me the promised help? How is he to
lift the heavy kettles of rice off the fire, Mr. Gray?"

"Well now, Mr. Blue, it's better to have a little help than none at
all. Why, indeed, you'll have to lift the heavy kettles off the fire
yourself. The boy can peel potatoes and wash dishes."

"Yes, and break more than his neck is worth in Brothers. I
understand.--Now, little one, come here and get into this apron, and
begin work.--Oh, wait a moment. You have not had any breakfast.
There, take that bowl of rice; you are more accustomed to that than to
our bread and coffee. When you have finished get at those dishes, and
wash and wipe them quicker than scat, and for every one you break a
precious good thump you'll get."

With tears in his eyes poor little Peppo choked down his rice, and went
to work. "Oh, dear," he said to himself, as he dipped the plates in
hot water and burned his fingers trying to get them out, "Oh, dear, how
God is punishing me for my disobedience! If I had only stayed where I
was told. Father Somazzo must have known what Lihoa was going to do.