Chapter XXXIII. The Journey Begins - Page 2

brother?"

"No; he's my cousin."

Herbert looked up in surprise at this avowal of relationship, but he thought it best not to say anything that would conflict with Abner's statement.

"Is he after work, too?" asked the driver, with a smile.

"No; he's goin' to his father."

"Where does he live?"

"Further on."

"Have you walked fur?"

"Pretty fur."

"Ef you want to ride, I'll give you a lift for a few miles."

"Thank you," said Abner, prompt to accept the offer. "I'll help you in, bub."

The two boys took their seats beside the driver, Herbert being in the middle. The little boy was really tired, and he found it very pleasant to ride, instead of walking. He had walked seven miles already, and that was more than he had ever before walked at one time.

They rode about three miles, when the driver pulled up in front of a comfortable-looking house.

"This is where I stop," he said. "My aunt lives here, and my sister has been paying her a visit. I've come to take her home."

The front door was opened, and his aunt and sister came out.

"You're just in time for breakfast, John," said his aunt. "Come in and sit down to the table. Bring in the boys, too."

"Come in, boys," said the young man. "I guess you can eat something, can't you?"

"We've had---" Herbert began, but Abner checked him.

"Come along, bub," he said. "What's a bit of bread? I ain't half full."