SKATING ON THE RIVER. 197

giving full credit to Tom Mixon for his courage
and presence of: mind.

“He is a capital fellow—there’s no doubt of
that. What can I do for him? The fact is,
those Mixons are so independent, one don’t
know how to offer them a reward, even for
such a service as this.”

“ And so proud, too,” murmured George,
who, in spite of his recent remorse, felt some-
thing of the old enmity rising in his bosom.

“Well may they be proud,” retorted the
father, “for they have something in themselves
to be proud of. I believe the best I can do for
Tom, is to let him go on and help himself for
the present, and when I have the opportunity
I will befriend him.”

“ Undoubtedly,” said Mr. Starr; “Tom is
doing exceedingly well in his studies, and has
already made a discovery in dyeing which will
prove very valuable.”

Mr. Cramer.—Has he, indeed.

Mr. Starr.—Yes; he has discovered a new
way to get a purple color, a fine purple, equal,
I should think, to the famous Syrian dye.

Mr. Cramer.—He must get a patent for it.