Captain Fishley almost smiled at this "first-rate notice" of the fare at his house; and my judicious commendation saved me any more hard questions from him.
"When boys are growing, they feed pretty strong," added the captain, now entirely non-committal.
"Sim was half starved, and I gave him some of the good things from our buttery; and I don't think anybody here will say I stole them. They don't call it stealing when any one takes something to eat, either for himself or to give to some one that's hungry."
Captain Fishley looked benevolent and magnanimous, but he did not say anything. He took credit to himself for the state of things I explained.
"Sim has run away, and if you want to know where he has gone, you must ask some one besides me," I added.
"There! that will do," interposed the captain, sternly. "You may go and harness the horse."
While I was hitching Darky to the post, I saw Barkspear leave the store, and I do not think he obtained much sympathy from Captain Fishley. I wish I could have spoken as highly of the Christian love and kindness of his house as I had of its hospitality and good fare. We had an extra nice supper that evening, out of respect to the distinguished guest. Everything was pleasant at the table, and Mrs. Fishley seemed to be the loveliest woman in the world. I am afraid there are a great many families that appear better before company than at other times.
When I was getting into the wagon to go to Riverport with the mail, Squire Fishley presented himself, and said he would ride a little way with me, and walk back. He seated himself by my side, and I drove off. I was glad he was only going a short distance, for his presence would have interfered with my operations in procuring supplies for the raft. But I was glad to see him alone, for I wished to ask him whether the whole forty-six dollars he had given me was intended for me. If it was a mistake, I did not desire to take advantage of it, though the loss of the money would defeat my enterprise with the raft.
"Did you know how much money you gave me, Squire Fishley?" I asked of my distinguished companion, as I drove over the bridge.
"No, I did not; and I don't wonder that you ask, Buck," he replied, very solemnly.