than you ever did before in your life, and your duties will be
easy."

"What would you want me to do?" asked Ben.

"Why, I would take you with me whenever I went out rowing or
fishing. That would be easy enough. Then, in the morning you would
black my shoes and keep my clothes well brushed, and go of any
errands I had for you. Oh, well, I can't tell you all you would have
to do, but you'd have an easy time."

"Yes, I don't think it would tire me out," said Ben. "You'd want me
to black your boots?"

"Yes."

"Well, I might agree to that on one condition."

"What is that?"

"That you would black mine."

"What do you mean?" demanded Sam, his face flushing angrily.

"Just what I say."

"Do you mean to insult me?"

"Not a bit; any more than you mean to insult me,"