charter I think I know who will be the first mayor."

"Not I, Mr. Leach. My own business is all I can well attend to. Thank
you for your compliment, though. Carl, do you see yonder building?"

He pointed to a three-story structure, a frame building, occupying a
prominent position.

"Yes, sir."

"That is my manufactory. What do you think of it?"

"I shouldn't think a town of this size would require so large an
establishment," answered Carl.

Mr. Jennings laughed.

"You are right," he said. "If I depended on Milford trade, a very small
building would be sufficient. My trade is outside. I supply many dealers
in New York City and at the West. My retail trade is small. If any of my
neighbors want furniture they naturally come to me, and I favor them as
to price out of friendly feeling, but I am a manufacturer and wholesale
dealer."

"I see, sir."

"Shall I take you to your house, Mr. Jennings?" asked Leach.

"Yes, if you please."

Leach drove on till he reached a two-story building of Quaker-like
simplicity but with a large, pleasant yard in front, with here and there
a bed of flowers. Here he stopped his horse.

"We have reached our destination, Carl," said Mr. Jennings. "You are
active. Jump out and I will follow."

Carl needed no second invitation. He sprang from the carriage and went
forward to help Mr. Jennings out.

"No, thank you, Carl," said the little man. "I am more active than you
think. Here we are!"

He descended nimbly to the ground, and, drawing a one-dollar bill from
his pocket, handed it to the driver.

"I don't like to take it, Mr. Jennings," said Mr. Leach.

"Why not? The laborer is worthy of his hire. Now, Carl, let us go into
the house."

CHAPTER XV.

Mr. JENNINGS AT HOME.

Mr. Jennings did not need to open the door. He had scarcely set foot on
the front step when it was opened from inside, and Carl found a fresh
surprise in store for him. A woman, apparently six feet in height,
stood on the threshold. Her figure was spare and ungainly, and her face
singularly homely, but the absence of beauty was partially made up by a
kindly expression. She looked with some surprise at Carl.

"This is a young friend of mine, Hannah," said her master. "Welcome him
for my sake."

"I am glad to see you," said Hannah, in a voice that was another
amazement. It was deeper than that of most men.

As she spoke, she held out a large masculine hand, which Carl took, as
seemed to be expected