I shall do by you just as I do by them."
Tears filled Austin's eyes at the kindness of his uncle, but the stinging
words of his father rang in his ears, "You could not exist a month on your
own resources," and he was determined to make his own way and prove to him
that he could do for himself.
"No, Uncle John, I can not do that, though I appreciate your offer. I did
not come here to live off your money, but I want to find work and support
myself. I am strong enough to do it, and now that I have no care of the
children I can do it I am certain."
"But, Austin, a boy like you should be in school. You are not yet fifteen,
and for a year you have not been in school to speak of. You can stay right
here and go every day," urged Mr. Moore.
"No, Uncle, I do not want to do that now. I am almost out of clothing. All
I possess is in that suitcase, and I need to earn something for myself
right away. Besides, Papa said I could not look out for myself." persisted
Austin.
"Humph! Well, if that is what is on your mind, I do not blame you for going
to work. Prove that you can take care of yourself and after that look out
for other things," said Mr. Moore in hearty sympathy with the boy for
resenting his father's taunt.
"I wish none of you would write anything home about me. I do not want Papa
to know where I am nor one thing about my affairs."
"All right; I will inform the others of your wish. It will be hard on the
children, but as for Henry, he ought to do a little worrying.
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