might have it stolen from you, if you carried it yourself just at
present. As you request, I will keep it, subject to your order; but
I would rather let it be a gift from me, and not require you to pay
for it."

"We won't talk about that now," said Philip, smiling. "At any rate,
you must let me thank you for your great kindness to me."

"Don't speak of that, Phil," said the farmer kindly. "I had a great
respect and liking for your father, and I verily believe my Frank
loves you as well as if you were his own brother. So, come what may,
you have a friend in our family."

"I indorse all that father says," Frank said.

And he extended his hand to Philip, who grasped it heartily.

It warmed his heart to think that he had such good friends, though
he was an orphan and alone in the world.

After supper, Mr. Dunbar went to the village store, while Frank and
Philip remained at home.

Suddenly Frank said:

"Philip, you are going to have a visitor, I guess."

"A visitor!"

"Yes; I saw Squire Pope stumping along the road, nourishing his