216 NOVEMBER 



sheltered Mrs. Bidstraw's fat bacon-pig ; and in the 



evening Nancy jeered at him again. 



" Well, Mr. Moonraker, have you found the 



treasure ? " 



" No," said Meshach. 



" Would you like me to help you ? " 



" Yes, I would if you can, Vevver." 



" If I can ! I could help you a deal more'n you 



THE FAT BACON-PIG 



know, but I'm not sure you deserve to be helped. 

 You ought to be man enough to do wi'out help." 



" I've worked hard enough to-day for two men," 

 said Meshach, wiping his brow with irritation. 



" Too hard. It isn't diggin' that's wanted for 

 findin' treasure in these days ; it's sense an' insight, 

 an' the power of knowin' what's good when you 

 see it." 



" You talk as if you knowed where the treasure 

 is," said young Meshach sulkily. 



" Maybe I do." 



He caught her by the hand. I was in the kitchen 



