But Mr. St. Clare did not forget.
The next day Tom sat on the lower deck, with folded arms, anxiously
watching him as he talked to Haley.
Eva's father was a very handsome man. He was like Eva, with the same
beautiful blue eyes and golden-brown hair. He was very fond of fun and
laughter, and though he had quite made up his mind to buy Tom, he was
now teasing Haley, and pretending to think that he was asking too much
money for him.
[Illustration]
'Papa do buy him, it's no matter what you pay', whispered Eva softly,
putting her arms around her father's neck. 'You have money enough, I
know. I want him.'
'What for, pussy? Are you going to use him for a rattle-box, or a
rocking-horse, or what?'
'I want to make him happy.'
Mr. St. Clare laughed; but after making a few more jokes about it, he
gave Haley the money he asked for, and Tom had a new master.
'Come, Eva,' said Mr. St. Clare, and, taking her hand, went across the
boat to Tom.
'Look up, Tom,' he said to him, 'and see how you like your new master.'
Tom looked up. Mr. St. Clare had such a gay, young, handsome face, that
Tom could not help feeling glad. Grateful tears rushed to his eyes as he
said, 'God bless you, mas'r.'
'Can you drive horses, Tom?'
'I've been allays used to horses,' said Tom.
'Well, I think I'll make you a coachman.
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