Page:Bound to Succeed.djvu/121

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A BOY WITH A MYSTERY
113

like to ask one question only: You haven't run away from home, have you?"

"I have no home," answered Markham in a subdued tone. "An orphan?" insinuated Frank, gently.

"No, my father is living. He is in the Philippines. He will be out of service next January. All I am waiting for is for him to get back to this country to right my wrongs."

"Don't worry about it, Markham," said Frank, observing deep sadness and distress shadow the bright face of his companion. "You come home with me. I've got so good a mother she will welcome you gladly."

"But I want to work," said Markham.

"Haven't I got work waiting ready for you, and lots of it, too?" demanded Frank.

"That's so, is it?" said Markham, brightening up. "My! to be away—away from the city in a quiet, beautiful town. Oh, dear! Oh, dear! You are the first real friend I've found in six months, and—I can't help it."

"That's right—get rid of all your old troubles," said Frank, and he did not think the less of his new friend because he had a good, solid cry. "There's nothing but sunshine ahead for you, If I can help you any."