k, and I have
friends who will advise me about the investment of my money."

"Fifteen dollars a week!" repeated Mr. Fox dolefully. "Can't you get a
place for Joel in the same store?"

"If I can find Joel a satisfactory place in the city I will do so," said
Harry, "but I ought to say that my employer only pays me high wages out
of favor."

"I'll take ten," said Joel eagerly. "You know you and me was always
friends, Harry."

"Joel always liked you," said politic Mr. Fox.

Harry knew better, but he was on good terms with the world, and he did
not dispute this statement.

"I'll do what I can," he said. "Meanwhile, Mr. Fox, I should like to
make Joel and his sister a small present."

He gave them each a ten-dollar bill, which made Joel's eyes sparkle with
joy.

Mr. Fox renewed his suggestion that Harry select him as a "guardeen,"
but Harry politely but firmly declined to entertain the proposal.
Nevertheless, when he left the house, he was warmly urged to come again
and often. He understood the reason of the cordiality, and knew very
well that if he had come back poor his reception would have been very
different.

Before going back to New York he made a visit of a couple of days to his
old friend and employer, Professor Hemmenway, the prestidigitateur, who
was delighted with the success of his young friend. He offered Harry a
new engagement, but of course it was declined.

In New York he met Jack, and inquired how he had fared.

"I found my step-father dying," answered Jack. "In fact he drank himself
to death after wasting all mother's property. But I have bought her a
small house, and insured her an income sufficient to keep her
comfortable. The last will require some of my principal, but I shall be
earning good wages, and can make it up when I return home."

"When do you sail, Jack?"

"Next week, on one of Mr. Woolson's ships. I am to go to China."

"I hope you'll steer clear of the island we were wrecked on, Jack."

"I never want to see it again, Harry; still it brought us luck."

"I shall be sorry to part with you, Jack. I wish you could be content to
stay in New York."

"No, Harry, I can't give up the sea yet. It is my great ambition to
command a ship myself some time."

"I think you will accomplish it, Jack, for you stand well with the
owners."

Five years have passed. Harry and Jack are each twenty-one. Harry
occupies a confidential position with the firm, and is likely to be a
partner before