don't smoke."

"You'll soon learn. I'll see you again soon."

"Tom," said Jennie, "tell me about this Mr. Graham. What do you know
about him?"

"I don't like to tell what I know," said Tom, hesitating.

"But I want you to. You introduced me, you know."

"What I know is not to his advantage. I don't like to talk against a
man."

"You needn't mind telling me."

On reflection Tom decided that he ought to tell what he knew, for he
felt that Jennie ought to be put on her guard against a man whom he did
not consider a suitable acquaintance for her.

"Very well," said he, "if you promise not to let him know that I have
told you."

"I promise."

"He was my roommate last night at the Pittsburg House," said Tom, in a
low voice. "During the night he tried to rob me."

"You don't say so!" ejaculated Jennie, in round-eyed wonder.

"I will tell you the particulars."

This Tom did. Jennie listened with indignation.

"But I don't understand," she said. "Why should the son of a merchant
need to rob a boy like you? He looks as if he had plenty of money."

"So I thought; but the hotel clerk told me that sharpers often appeared
like this Mr. Graham, if that is his name."

"How strange it seems!" said Jennie. "I wish you hadn't introduced me."

"I didn't want to; but he asked, and at the table I couldn't give my
reasons for refusing."

"My dear child," said her mother, "you are too ready to form new
acquaintances. Let this be a lesson for you."

"But some new acquaintances are nice," pleaded Jennie. "Isn't Tom a new
acquaintance?"

"I will make an exception in his favor," said Mrs. Watson, smiling
pleasantly.

"Thank you," said Tom. "How do you know but I may be a pickpocket?" he
continued, addressing Jennie.

"As I have only ten cents in my pocket I will trust you," said the young
lady merrily. "I'd trust you with any amount, Tom," she added
impulsively.

"Thank you, for your good opinion, Miss Jennie."

"Don't call me Miss Jennie. If you do, I'll call you Mr. Tom."

"I shouldn't know myself by that title. Then I'll call you Jennie."

"I wish you were going to live in Cincinnati," said the young lady. "It
would be nice to have you come and see us."

"I should like it; but I mustn't think so much of pleasure as business."

"Like Mr. Graham."

"I must work hard at the mines. I suppose I shall look pretty rough when
I am there."

"When you've made your pile, Tom--that's what they call it, isn't
it?--yo