 made no
answer.
    »At all events,« said Joe, »he can't pick and choose his means of earning a
livelihood, as another man may. He can't say I will turn my hand to this or I
won't turn my hand to that, but must take what he can do, and be thankful it's
no worse. - What did you say?«
    Mr. Willet had been softly repeating to himself, in a musing tone, the words
defence of the Salwanners: but he seemed embarrassed at having been overheard,
and answered »Nothing.«
    »Now look here, father. - Mr. Edward has come to England from the West
Indies. When he was lost sight of (I ran away on the same day, father), he made
a voyage to one of the islands, where a school-friend of his had settled; and,
finding him, wasn't too proud to be employed on his estate, and - and in short,
got on well, and is prospering, and has come over here on business of his own,
and is going back again speedily. Our returning nearly at the same time, and
meeting in the course of the late troubles, has been a good thing every way; for
it has not only enabled us to do old friends some service, but has opened a path
in life for me which I may tread without being a burden upon you. To be plain,
father, he can employ me; I have satisfied myself that I can be of real use to
him; and I am going to carry my one arm away with him, and to make the most of
it.«
    In the mind's eye of Mr. Willet, the West Indies, and indeed all foreign
countries, were inhabited by savage nations, who were perpetually burying pipes
of peace, flourishing tomahawks, and puncturing strange patterns in their
bodies. He no sooner heard this announcement, therefore, than he leaned back in
his chair, took his pipe from his lips, and stared at his son with as much
dismay as if he already beheld him tied to a stake, and tortured for the
entertainment of a lively population. In what form of expression his feelings
would have found a vent, it is impossible to say. Nor is it necessary: for,
before a syllable occurred to him, Dolly Varden came running into the room, in
tears, threw herself on Joe's breast without a word of explanation, and clasped
her white arms round his neck.
    »Dolly!
