when you have money in
your pocket, are you?"

"You seem very curious about my private affairs," said Harry, rather
provoked.

"He's only drumming up customers for the tailor," said Frank Heath. "He
gets a commission on all he brings."

"That's the way he pays his bill," said Sam Anderson.

"Quit fooling, boys," said Luke, irritated. "I ain't a drummer. I pay my
bills, like a gentleman."

"By keeping the tailor waiting," said Frank.

"Quit that!"

So attention was diverted from Harry by this opportune attack upon
Luke, much to our hero's relief. Nevertheless, he saw, that in order to
preserve his health, he must have some outer garment, and in order the
better to decide what to do, he concluded to step into the tailor's, and
inquire his prices.

The tailor, Merrill by name, had a shop over the dry goods store, and
thither Harry directed his steps. There was one other person in the
shop, a young fellow but little larger than Harry, though two years
older, who was on a visit to an aunt in the neighborhood, but lived in
Boston. He belonged to a rich family, and had command of considerable
money. His name was Maurice Tudor. He had gone into the shop to leave a
coat to be repaired.

"How are you, Walton?" he said, for he knew our hero slightly.

"Pretty well. Thank you."

"It's pretty cold for October."

"Yes, unusually so."

"Mr. Merrill," said Harry, "I should like to inquire the price of an
overcoat. I may want to order one by and by."

"What sort of one do you want--pretty nice?"

"No, I can't afford anything nice--something as cheap as possible."

"This is the cheapest goods I have," said the tailor, pointing to some
coarse cloth near by.

"I can make you up a coat from that for eighteen dollars."

"Eighteen dollars!" exclaimed Harry, in dismay. "Is that the cheapest
you have?"

"The very cheapest."

After a minute's pause he added, "I might take off a dollar for cash.
I've got enough of running up bills. There's Luke Harrison owes me over
thirty dollars, and I don't believe he means to pay it al all."

"If I buy, I shall pay cash," said Harry, quietly.

"You can't get anything cheaper than this." said the tailor.

"Very likely not," said Harry, soberly. "I'll think about it, and let
you know if I decide to take it."

Maurice Tudor was a silent listener to this dialogue. He saw Harry's
sober expression, and he noticed the tone in which he repeated "eighteen
dollars," and he guessed the t