extent. Your
uncle is not your friend. Few men act wickedly without a motive. He has
his own reasons for treating you as he does. I cannot enter into
particulars here. Nor would I, even if time and opportunity warranted,
for it would do no good. Keep your eyes open, your head clear--your
temper cool, and your tongue silent, and you will see and learn much
without the interference of a second person. I am going to open an
office in Nottingham, my native town, and if ever you want a friend in
the hour of need, come to Josiah Bassett in the full confidence of
affection, and I will help you."

This speech roused all my curiosity. I pressed him eagerly to tell me
all he knew respecting me and my uncle, but he refused to satisfy my
earnest inquiries.

The departure of Mr. Bassett, which I regarded as a calamity, proved
one of the most fortunate events in my life.

His place was supplied by a gentleman of the name of Harrison, who was
strongly recommended to Mr. Moncton by his predecessor as an excellent
writer, a man well versed in the law, sober and industrious, and in
whose integrity he might place the utmost reliance. He had no wish to
enter into the profession, but only sought to undertake the management
of the office as head clerk.

Mr. Moncton was a man who never associated himself with a partner, and
regarded despotic rule as the only one that deserved the name.

When Mr. Harrison was introduced _in propria persona_ he did not seem
to realize his employer's expectations--who, from Mr. Bassett's
description, had evidently looked for an older and more methodical
person, and was disappointed in the young and interesting individual
who presented himself. But as he required only a moderate salary for
his services, he was engaged on trial for the next three months.

CHAPTER VII.

GEORGE HARRISON.

George Harrison was not distinguished by any remarkable talents; or
endowed with that aspiring genius which forces its way through every
obstacle, and places the possessor above the ordinary mass with whom he
is daily forced to associate. Yet, his was no common character; no
every-day acquaintance, with whom we may spend a pleasant hour, and
care not if we ever meet again in our journey through life.

The moment he entered the office my heart was drawn towards him by an
irresistible, mysterious impulse, so that looking upon him I became
attached to him, and felt confident that the friend whom I had ardently
wis