Mr. and Mrs. Baron at first refused
point-blank to hear of his returning.
"Uncle," said his ward gravely, "is only your property at stake? I
can manage Chunk, and through him perhaps get others. I am not
responsible for changes which I can't help; I am to blame if I sit
down idly and helplessly and do nothing better than fret or sulk.
Your bitter words of protest are not bread and bring no money. For
your sakes as well as my own you must either act or let me act."
The honorable old planter was touched at his most sensitive point,
and reluctantly conceded, saying, "Oh, well, if you think you can
save any of your property out of the wreck, employ Chunk on your own
responsibility."
So Chunk was reinstated in his granny's cabin and given a share in
all he could raise and secure of the crops. The negro was as shrewd
as Jacob of old, but like the Hebrew patriarch could do much under
the inspiration of his twofold affection for Zany and his young
mistress.
And so the summer and early fall wore away.
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