"
"My time ain't of much vally, and as to the trouble, it's a pity ef
I can't take some trouble for my brother's son. No, Ben, I won't
take a cent. You'll need it all."
"But you said yourself it was a good deal of money for a boy, Uncle
Job."
"So it is, but it's all you've got. Most boys have fathers to take
care of 'em, while you're alone in the world."
"Yes I am alone in the world," said Ben sadly, his cheerful face
clouding over.
"But you've got an uncle, lad," continued Job Stanton, laying his
hand gently on the boy's shoulder. "He's a poor man, but as much as
in him lies, he'll be your friend and helper."
"I know it, Uncle Job. You've always been kind to me."
"And allus will be, Ben. Now, Ben, I've got a plan for you. I don't
know what you'll think of it, but it's the best I've been able to
think of."
"What is it, Uncle Job?"
"Ef you'll stay with me and help me in the shop, I'll give you a
home, such as it is, and fifty dollars a year toward your clothes.
Your Aunt Hannah and your Cousin Jane want you to make your home
with us."
"I'm very much obliged to you, Uncle Job," said Ben slowly.
"You needn't be, boy. It's a sort of mutooal arrangement.
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