car fares of this little boy and his mother?"

"I hope, sir, I would not refuse to assist a lady when in trouble."

Mr. Percival nodded two or three times, smiling as he did so. He was
becoming more and more favorably impressed without young hero.

"Do you mean to continue this tea agency?" he asked.

"No, sir; I have already notified my employers that I do not care to
continue it."

"Have you anything else in view?"

Frank felt that now was the time to speak.

"I came here this evening," he said, "intending to ask you if you knew
of any situation I could fill, or could recommend me to employment of
any kind by which I might make a living."

"I must consider that. Have you thought of any particular employment
which you would like?"

"No, sir; I cannot afford to be particular. I will do anything that is
honest, and at all suitable for me."

"What would you consider unsuitable?"

"I should not wish to black boots, for instance, sir. It is honest work,
but I ought to be suited to something better."

"Of course; What education have you had? Good, I suppose?"

"I am nearly ready for college."

"Then you are already fairly well educated. I will put you to a test.
Sit up to the table, and take paper and pen. I will dictate to you a
paragraph from the evening paper, which I should like to have you write
down."

Frank obeyed, though, in doing so, he was obliged to set Freddie down,
rather to the little fellow's dissatisfaction.

Mr. Percival selected a short letter, written by some public man, which
chanced to have found a place in the evening journal.

Frank wrote rapidly, and when his copy was finished submitted it to Mr.
Percival.

The old gentleman took it, and, running his eye over it, noticed that it
was plainly written, correctly spelled and properly punctuated. This
discovery evidently gave him satisfaction.

"Very creditably written," he said. "I have known boys nearly ready for
college who could not copy such a letter without blundering. I am glad
that your English education has not been neglected while you have been
studying the classics."

Frank was gratified by Mr. Percival's commendation, though he could not
see in what manner his education was likely to bring him employment. It
was desirable, however, to produce a favorable impression on Mr.
Percival, and he could not help hoping something would result to his
advantage.

At this moment Freddie's mother entered the room, and greeted Frank