“I knew that you would be sorry,” the widow replied, “and so I have come to ask you to write to headquarters.  A letter from you explaining the whole matter will have much effect.”

The Bunkers were members of his flock, and Parson Dan was well aware how troublesome they could become if things did not go their way.  But when his duty was clear he never hesitated, and as this was a case where it was necessary to protect the weak against the strong, he promised the widow that he would write at once on her behalf.

So at last the clergyman was free from the woman of many troubles, and with a deep sigh of relief he sought the kitchen where Mrs. Royal had Rodney all ready for bed.

CHAPTER IV

RODNEY DEVELOPS

The entire parish of Hillcrest soon took much interest in Rodney the waif.  Tongues became loosened and people freely expressed their opinion about Parson Dan’s action in taking the child into his house.  Some were most harsh in their criticism, especially Tom Dunker, who had been defeated in the lighthouse affair owing to the letter the parson had written on behalf of Widow Marden.  He was very angry, and nursed his wrath against the day when he could get even with the clergyman.

“We don’t want a boy like that at the rectory,” he complained.  “He should have been sent to the Orphanage or the Poor House.  We pay the parson’s salary, an’ we have a right to say who is to live by means of the money we give.”

Now, Tom Dunker contributed only one dollar a year to the support of the Church, and he always gave that in a most begrudging manner.  He even refused to give this small amount after the parson sided with the widow.

There were others, however, who stood loyally by their rector.  They praised him for what he had done, and did all they could to assist him.

Thus this discussion was general throughout the parish for several weeks.  Some were sure that they saw the woman who had left the child at the rectory.  She had taken the early steamer the next morning for the city, so they said.  Though the stories were somewhat different yet all agreed that the woman was beautiful, though her face was very sad, as if she had been weeping bitterly, and had not slept at all during the night.

Although the Royals heard faint rumours at times of what was being said, they went on their way undisturbed, happy in the feeling that they had done their duty, and pouring out their affection upon the little lad who had become so dear to their lonely hearts.

At Christmas they were greatly surprised when a letter from Boston reached them, with a post-office order enclosed for one dollar.

“I am hungry for news of my baby,” so the letter ran, “and will you please drop me a line to let me know how he is.  I hope to send more money when I can.  The above address will find me.