Ishmael, or In The Depths

"Isn't it grand, Ishmael?" inquired Claudia.

"Oh, yes, indeed, miss!" responded the boy, with fervor.

In twenty minutes they had reached the turnpike road from which started

the little narrow foot-path leading through the forest to the hut.

"Well, my boy, here we are! jump out! Good-night! I shall not lose sight

of you!" said Mr. Middleton, as he drew up to let Ishmael alight.

"Good-night, sir; good-night, madam; good-night, Miss Claudia. I thank

you more than I can express, sir; but, indeed, indeed, I will try to

deserve your kindness," said Ishmael, as he bowed, and took his pack

once more upon his back and sped on through the narrow forest-path that

led to his humble home. His very soul within him was singing for joy.