“Of course,” he went on, “I’m not going to tell them that I’m an invalid, because that would make them feel badly.  And, then, I’m not in the hospital; I’m home, and that makes all the difference in the world.”

“It is an excellent idea,” said Mrs. Franklin, cheerfully, but with tears in her eyes.

“Do you think so, really?” he asked, eagerly.  “I am so glad, because, do you know, mother, I have been getting so gloomy of late, thinking how useless I am.”

“Amos!” she exclaimed, reproachfully.

“Now, mother, I’m not complaining; but I know I am useless.  I can never earn my living by any kind of work, and I’m not talented enough to be an artist or designer; but I thought if I could only do something to help somebody, and all of a sudden it flashed upon me that there were boys and girls worse off than I am, and I might make them happy.  And you think it will?”

“Decidedly, I do.  It is a noble thought, Amos, and I am proud of your idea.”

“Then I will write some more,” he said, simply.

A week or two passed and Amos had a dozen little correspondents, who each and all wanted to see him; but he gently evaded their requests, and only wrote longer letters.

“They must think I am well and strong,” he said.

Then one day there came a handsome carriage to the door, and a gray-haired gentleman called on Amos.

“I want to see my assistant,” he said, in a deep, hearty voice.  “I am Doctor Parkerson.  Where is the boy who has been helping me make my little patients get well?”

It was a proud moment for Amos when the great physician, whose name was world-renowned, took him by the hand and thanked him.

“You are a true philanthropist, my boy,” he said, warmly.  “Medicine and care are well enough, but kind words and sympathy are great helps.  And you are a sufferer, yourself!  Perhaps I can do something to make you happy in return.”

And I am sure you would like to hear that he kept his word.

[This Story began last week.]

CAPTAIN CLYDE.

A Tale of Adventure in the Caribbee Islands.

by CHARLES H. HEUSTIS,

Author of “The Trio Club,” “The Trio Club Afloat,”
  “The Sloop Yacht Spray,” “Facing his Accusers,”
                   etc., etc.

CHAPTER IV.

Uncle Ellis Cools Down.

The moment that Clyde had locked the door on his uncle, he felt sorry for it.  It was a mistake to push his uncle.  True, it was a gentle push, and Mr. Ellis would probably have reeled through the doorway of his own accord, but, for all that, it was an act of defiance.

It was the first time that the boy had ever rebelled.  He had stood much from Mr. Ellis, and taken it all as a matter-of-course, but, for once, his anger had got the better of him.

It was a blunder, also, to throw out that insinuation about the ten thousand dollars.  Clyde realized this perfectly.  He wished now that he not done it, and would have recalled his hasty words had it been possible.  But the deed had been done, and the consequences of it, whatever they might be, were sure to come.