s chin. "So you say you have no prospects ahead?"

"No, sir, but I am not afraid----"

"Let me see your handwriting."

The broker shoved a pad toward Hal, and handed him a pen filled with
ink.

Hal put down a sentence or two, and added his own name.

"That will do very well. You say you can figure fairly?"

"I have been through the common school arithmetic."

"What would my commission be on six thousand dollars' worth of bonds,
sold at one hundred and fifteen, commission one-quarter of one per
cent?"

Hal figured for a moment.

"Seventeen dollars and twenty-five cents," he said.

Mr. Sumner gave him several other sums. The youth answered all of them
quickly and correctly.

"That will do first-class," said the broker. "Now to come to business.
Would you mind telling me why you left Fairham?"

"Not at all, Mr. Sumner," replied Hal.

And, sitting down, he told how the trustees had intended to use him, and
of his determination to do for himself.

"And I will not go back, no matter what happens," he concluded,
decidedly.

"Well, I cannot say as I blame you," was the slow reply. "Of course, you
owe them something, but perhaps you can pay them back quicker in the way
you have undertaken. Have you any idea in regard to salary?"

"I intended to take what I could get, and then look around for something
better."

"How would you like to work for me?"

"First-rate, sir."

"I need an office boy to take Ferris' place, and also somebody to help
copy contracts and make out bills and statements. If you could combine
the two I would give you seven dollars a week at the start, and increase
the amount as you become more valuable."

Hal's heart beat fast. Seven dollars a week! It was more than twice what
he could have earned at Lawyer Gibson's office in Fairham.

"Oh, thank you!" he cried. "I did not expect so much."

"I expect you to earn the money," replied the broker. He made this
remark, but, nevertheless, he had not forgotten that Hal had saved his
life. "Have you any money with you?"

"Fifty cents, sir."

"Then let me advance you a month's salary. Half of it I would advise you
to invest in an overcoat and a stout pair of shoes. The remainder you
will probably have to pay out for your board. Mr. Hardwick."

The book-keeper came forward.

"Just give Carson twenty-eight dollars for four weeks' salary in
advance. He will take Ferris' place, and also help you on the copying."

"Yes, sir."

Hardwick gave