though it is small."

"Don't be anxious, mother; I am sure we can get along."

"But I am not willing that the whole burden of supporting the family
should come upon you. Besides, you are not sure how long you can retain
your present employment."

"I know that, mother; but something else will be sure to turn up. If I
can't do anything else, I can turn bootblack, though I would prefer
something else. There is no chance of my being out of work long."

"There are fewer things for me to do," said his mother, "but perhaps you
can think of something. I shall go out this afternoon, and try my luck
once more. If I do not succeed, I will consult with you this evening."

"Suppose I tell you that I have work for you, enough to last for two or
three weeks, that will pay five times as well as the work you have been
doing; what would you say to that?" asked Paul, smiling.

"Are you in earnest, Paul?" asked his mother, very much surprised.

"Quite in earnest, mother. There's a gentleman up-town that wants a
dozen shirts made, and is willing to pay ten shillings apiece."

"Ten shillings! Why, that's a dollar and a quarter."

"Of course it is. I told him I thought you would accommodate him."

"You are sure I can get the work to do?"

"Certainly. I am to go up to his house this evening and get the pattern
and an order for the materials."

"It seems too good to be true," said his mother. "Why, I can earn at
least a dollar a day."

"Then you will be doing as well as I am."

"Tell me how you heard of it, Paul," said Mrs. Hoffman.

Paul told the story of the manner in which he formed Mr. Preston's
acquaintance.

"It's lucky you ran into him, Paul," said Jimmy.

"He didn't think so at the time," said Paul, laughing. "He said I nearly
knocked the breath out of him."

"You won't go out this afternoon, mother, will you?" asked Jimmy.

"No, it will not be necessary now; I didn't think this morning that such
a piece of good luck was in store for, me."

CHAPTER X

ANOTHER LOSS

After supper Paul brushed his clothes carefully and prepared to go to
the address given him by Mr. Preston. He decided to walk one way, not
wishing to incur the expenses of two railroad fares.

The distance was considerable, and it was nearly eight o'clock when he
arrived at his destination.

Paul found himself standing before a handsome house of brown stone.
He ascended the steps, and inquired, on the door being opened, if Mr.
Preston was a