'He couldn't hardly believe yet that I was doing to do better--though I know he'd try to but a mother--she always believes what's,' good, Sir; at least I know my mother does, God bless her!' Mr Carker's mouth expanded, but he said no more until he was mounted on his horse, and had dismissed the man who held it, when, looking down from the saddle steadily into the attentive and watchful face of the boy, he said: 'You'll come to me tomorrow morning, and you shall be shown where that old gentleman lives; that old gentleman who was with me this morning; where you are going, as you heard me say.' 'Yes, Sir,' returned Rob.
'I have a great interest in that old gentleman, and in serving him, you serve me, boy, do you understand?
Well,' he added, interrupting him, for he saw his round face brighten when he was told that: 'I see you do.

I want to know all about that old gentleman, and how he goes on from day to day--for I am anxious to be of service to him--and especially who comes there to see him.

Do you understand ?' Rob nodded his steadfast face, and said 'Yes, Sir,' again.
'I should like to know that he has friends who are attentive to him, and that they don't desert him--for he lives very much alone now, poor fellow; but that they are fond of him, and of his nephew who has gone abroad.

There is a very young lady who may perhaps come to see him.

I want particularly to know all about her.' 'I'll take care, Sir,' said the boy.
'And take care,' returned his patron, bending forward to advance his grinning face closer to the boy's, and pat him on the shoulder with the handle of his whip: 'take care you talk about affairs of mine to nobody but me.' 'To nobody in the world, Sir,' replied Rob, shaking his head.
'Neither there,' said Mr Carker, pointing to the place they had just left, 'nor anywhere else.