trength first, George," said his mother, "or you
may fall sick again."

But her son was impatient of confinement and anxious to get to work
again. So, two days afterward, about the middle of the forenoon, Paul
was surprised by seeing George Barry get out of a Broadway omnibus, just
in front of the stand.

"Can I sell you a necktie, Mr. Barry?" he asked, in a joke.

"I almost feel like a stranger," said Barry, "it's so long since I have
been here."

"Do you feel strong enough to take charge now?" asked Paul.

"I am not so strong as I was, and the walk from our rooms would tire me;
but I think if I rode both ways for the present I shall be able to get
along."

"Then you won't need me any longer?"

"I would like to have you stay with me to-day. I don't know how I shall
hold out."

"All right! I'll stop."

George Barry remained in attendance the rest of the day. He found that
his strength had so far returned that he should be able to manage alone
hereafter, and he told Paul so.

"I am glad you are well again, George," said Paul. "It must have been
dull work staying at home sick."

"Yes, it was dull; but I felt more comfortable from knowing that you
were taking my place. If I get sick again I will send for you."

"I hope you won't get sick; but if you do, I will do what I can to help
you."

So the two parted on the best of terms. Each had been of service to the
other, and neither had cause to complain.

"Well," said Paul to himself, "I am out of work again. What shall I go
at next?"

It was six o'clock, and there was nothing to be done till the morrow. He
went slowly homeward, revolving this subject in his mind. He knew that
he need not remain idle. He could black boots, or sell newspapers, if
nothing better offered, and he thought it quite possible that he might
adopt the latter business, for a few days at least. He had not forgotten
Mr. Preston's injunction to let him know when he got out of business;
but, as the second half dozen shirts would be ready in three or four
days, he preferred to wait till then, and not make a special call on Mr
Preston. He had considerable independence of feeling, and didn't like
to put himself in the position of one asking a favor, though he had no
objection to accept one voluntarily offered.

"Well, mother," he said, entering his humble home, "I am out of
business."

"Has George recovered, then?"

"Yes, he was at the stand to-day, but wanted me to stay with him till