This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1892 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. UNCLE DICK. HEN Tom followed Pauline into the parlor he found his uncle seated on the sofa beside their mother. The first sight of his uncle gave Tom the impression of strength and heartiness, which was confirmed as they came to know each other well. Uncle Dick was neither tall nor stout, but his figure was well built and solid; perhaps he was rather under than over the average height of man. His eyes were dark, and so was his hair, save where it was touched with gray at the temples. His hands, which were resting on his knees, seemed a little large; and the distinct sinews of the wrists indicated unusual strength of grip. His face was clean shaven, except for the mustache which curled heavily down each cheek. His smile was kindly as his eyes looked Tom straight in the face, and his greeting was hearty. "So this is Tom, is it?" he said, holding out his hand and giving Tom a cordial clasp. "And you are Uncle Dick," Tom responded, echoing his uncle"s pleasant laugh. "Yes, I am Uncle Dick. I "m your mother"s only brother, and you are her only son. Let me get a good look at you." So saying, he raised his hands and grasped Tom by the shoulders and held the boy off at arm"s-length, while he took I stock of him. After a long searching gaze, which Tom met unflinchingly, Uncle Dick said to Mrs. Paulding, "He has your eyes, Mary, and your hair,--but how like he is to his father!" Despite his bold front, Tom had endured the close scrutiny with secret discomfort; but now he flushed with pleasure. Mrs. Paulding had often talked to her son about the father he could scarcely remember, and it was Tom"s chief wish to grow as like his father as he could. "Yes," repeated Uncle Dick, "he is very like Stuyvesant." Then he released his hold on Tom"s shoulders. "I do n...