"And the farmers expect boys to take their pay principally in
board."

"That is a consideration, but, if possible, I hope we shall not be
separated at meals."

"I will try other things first," said Herbert. "How would you like
some fish for dinner, mother? My time isn't of any particular value,
and I might as well go fishing."

"Do so, Herbert. It will save our buying meat, which, indeed, we can
hardly afford to do."

Herbert felt that anything was better than idleness, so he took his
pole from the shed, and, after digging a supply of bait, set out for
the banks of the river half a mile away.

Through a grassy lane leading from the main street, he walked down
to the river with the pole on his shoulder.

He was not destined to solitude, for under a tree whose branches
hung over the river sat a young man, perhaps twenty-five years of
age, with a book in his hand.