for his supper, so that the banker's visit was all unknown to the boy
who was going stoically about his duties over in the village. Yet, in
his clear eyes there was nothing of regret at his own refusal to
permit the desire of his life to be gratified.

Mr. Perkins remained at the cottage for nearly an hour and a half, and
a quiet smile might have been observed hovering about his lips as he
bade good-night to Mrs. Butler, whose countenance reflected something
of his own satisfaction.

"I will attend to the matter on Monday morning," were his parting
words, at which Mrs. Butler bowed and withdrew into the cottage.

All unmindful of the important conference, Tad returned home at ten
o'clock. His mother was awaiting him. She greeted him with a hearty
embrace and a kiss, which the boy returned with no less fervor.

"I have a nice, warm supper ready for you, Tad," she informed
him. "You must have a man's appetite by this time, for you have had
hardly anything to eat since your breakfast."

"It does put an appetite into a fellow, riding behind a horse, even if
it is an old lame one," laughed Tad.

"I really believe you would find pleasure in driving a wooden horse,
such as I have seen in harness shops," smiled Mrs. Butler. "You are so
like your grandfather. He would miss a meal at any time for the sake
of driving a horse or talking horse with a friend."

"Father didn't care so much about them, did he?"