Just there it occurred to the little fellow that he was discussing family affairs too freely with a stranger, and instinct made him pause.
"Well, 'they' what? Is his name Joseph? Joseph Smith? Has he a brother who is a twin?" asked the stranger.
Tom considered, there seemed no harm in answering these questions.
"Yes, his name is Joseph. He has a brother who is a twin, same as me and Dick."
Then there ensued the following dialogue, begun by the visitor with the next question:
"Where does this uncle of yours live?"
"I don't know."
"Don't know? Haven't you ever seen him?"
"No. Never."
"Where's your father?"
"Out looking for work. Maybe he'll get it to-day, maybe."
The wistfulness of the childish voice told its own story, and even Mr. Wakeman's heart was touched by it. He was compelled to say:
"Likely he will, chappie. Likely enough
