"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.