hings, and it might have ended badly for all concerned."

"It has been bad enough all through for David Inglis. Mr Philip, if
you wish to make amends to him, you should offer to take his place and
let him go to the country to amuse himself with the rest for a few
days."

Philip opened his eyes.

"I am afraid I could not fill David's place in the office," said he.

"I am afraid of that, too. But you would be better than nobody, and we
would have patience with you. And David must go for awhile, whether you
take his place or no."

"Yes," assented Mr Oswald, rather absently. "He might as well have a
holiday now as any time. And, Philip, I expect you to take your own
place in the office after this regularly."

Philip shrugged his shoulders, when his father was not looking to see.

"I'll give it a trial," said he.

"And can I go to-morrow, Mr Caldwell?" said David. "I have no
preparations to make, and I should like to take them by surprise."

"By all means. I should like to go with you and see it," said Philip.
"But, I suppose, that would hardly do--just at present."

David bade them good-night, and went down the street with Mr Caldwell.

"I am much obliged to you, sir. I am very glad to get away from the
office for awhile, to say nothing of going to Gourlay and seeing them
all."

David's eyes sparkled at the thought.

"Well! You have borne your trouble not so ill," said Mr Caldwell; "and
you may tell your mother I said so."

David laughed; but he looked grave in a moment.

"I don't think you would say I bore it well, if you knew all the angry
thoughts I had. But I am very glad and thankful now, and I am sure
mamma will thank you for all your kindness. I know now you never
thought me capable of doing so wrong a thing."

"We are all poor creatures, David, my man. There is no saying what we
mightna' do if we were left to ourselves. Be thankful and humble, and
pray for grace to keep in the right way; and mind that yon young man's
eyes are upon you, and that you are, in a measure, responsible for his
well-doing or his ill-doing, for awhile, at least; and may the Lord
guide you," said Mr Caldwell, solemnly, and then he went away.

David stood gazing after him with astonished eyes.

"I responsible for him! That can hardly be. I am nothing to him. I
wonder what mamma would say? I shall have nothing to do with him for
awhile, at least. I like Frank much the best. Oh! isn't it good to be
going