"I shall leave you almost destitute, Ben," he said. "If I had acted
more wisely it would have been different."

"Don't trouble yourself about that, father," said Ben promptly. "I
am young and strong, and I shall be sure to get along."

"You will have to work hard, and the world is a hard taskmaster."

"I don't feel afraid, father. I am sure I shall succeed."

The dying father was cheered by Ben's confident words. Our hero was
strong and sturdy, his limbs active, and his face ruddy with health.
He looked like a boy who could get along. He was not a sensitive
plant, and not to be discouraged by rebuffs. The father's brow
cleared.

"I am glad you are not afraid to meet what is in store for you," he
said. "I believe you will do your part, and God helps those who help
themselves."

After his father's death, Ben became an inmate of his uncle's family
while the estate was being settled. He paid for his board partly by
work in the shop, and partly by doing chores. This brings us to the
day when the conversation detailed in the first chapter took place.

On the following morning Ben was sent on an errand to the village
store. On his way he overtook Deacon Pitkin.

"Good mornin', Ben!" said the deacon. "Where are you goin'?"