"Yes, Sam, I think so," answered his father, laying down the paper
and removing his gold-bowed spectacles.

"Then why won't you let me have a servant, too?"

"What do you want of a servant? There are servants enough in the
house."

"I want a boy to follow me round, and do just what I bid him."

"I don't see any necessity for it."

"He could do errands for you, too, father," said Sam diplomatically.

"We would have to send to the city for a boy, in case I let you have
one."

"No, we wouldn't," answered Sam.

"Do you know of any one around here?"

"Yes; there is Ben Stanton. He's got to find something to do."

"I thought you didn't like Ben Stanton," said the major, in some
surprise. "I have heard you say-"

"Oh, he's rather uppish-feels too big for a poor boy; but I would
soon train him. I'd make him know his place."

"Your remarks are well founded, my son. Only yesterday I met the boy