him a bill.

"That is too much, sir," stammered Paul, overwhelmed at the idea of
having made two dollars in one day.

"It is right, my boy; take it. You mustn't be bashful if you are going
to fight your way through the world."

"You are very kind, sir, but this is more than the fish come to,"
answered Paul, taking the bill.

"No, it isn't; the perch come to a dollar and twenty cents, the tautog
to seventy-five, which make a dollar and ninety-five cents. So we will
call it square, and I am very much obliged to you besides."

"I didn't mean to charge you any thing for the tautog, sir."

"Look here, Paul; when you get rich I will accept your gifts; but now,
my boy, I will take the will for the deed, and I feel just as grateful
to you as though you had presented me a service of plate. You have done
well, and I am glad of it."

"Thank you, sir; I am very much obliged to you for this, and for all you
have done for my mother," replied Paul, as he put the bank bill in his
pocket.

"By the way, how about that place in the lawyer's office, Paul?" said
Captain Littleton, as the young fisherman turned to go home.

"If you please, sir, I had rather not take the place."

"You are going to do better, then?"

"Yes, sir, I think I am. I am very much obliged to you for the trouble
you have taken."

"Not at all, my boy; I didn't think the situation would be large enough
to suit your ambition. What are you going to do, Paul?"

"I am going to catch fish, and sell them in town, sir," replied Paul,
boldly, though he could hardly keep down the emotions that swelled in
his bosom.

"Good, my boy! I like an enterprising spirit and I dare say you will do
very well. You may put me down for two dozen perch every Saturday."

"Thank you, sir."

"I will speak to my neighbors, and I have no doubt you will find a
market for all the fish you can catch."

"You are very kind."

"What does your mother say about the plan?"

"I haven't told her yet. It is a new idea. I am afraid she will not like
it very well."

"She will not object very strongly."

"If you would speak to her about it, if you please, sir; she will think
everything of what you say."

"I will, Paul. When you catch any more tautog, be sure and bring them to
me."

"I certainly will, Captain Littleton," answered Paul, as he bounded
towards home, his heart filled with gratitude to his friend, and with
hope for the success of his darling scheme.

Half a dozen times o