and felt that he was
practicing it. He had changed his ten-dollar bill the first day, for a
five and several ones. These last were now spent, and the five-dollar
bill alone remained to him. He had earned nothing, though everywhere he
had been on the lookout for a job.

Toward the close of the last day he overtook a young man of twenty-five,
who was traveling in the same direction.

"Good-afternoon," said the young man, sociably.

"Good-afternoon, sir."

"Where are you bound, may I ask?"

"To the next town."

"Fillmore?"

"Yes, if that is the name."

"So am I. Why shouldn't we travel together?"

"I have no objection," said Carl, who was glad of company.

"Are you in any business?"

"No, but I hope to find a place."

"Oh, a smart boy like you will soon find employment."

"I hope so, I am sure. I haven't much money left, and it is necessary I
should do something."

"Just so. I am a New York salesman, but just now I am on my
vacation--taking a pedestrian tour with knapsack and staff, as you see.
The beauty of it is that my salary runs on just as if I were at my post,
and will nearly pay all my traveling expenses."

"You are in luck. Besides you have a good place to go back to. There
isn't any vacancy, is there? You couldn't take on a boy?" asked Carl,
eagerly.

"Well, there might be a chance," said the young man, slowly. "You
haven't any recommendations with you, have you?"

"No; I have never been employed."

"It doesn't matter. I will recommend you myself."

"You might be deceived in me," said Carl, smiling.

"I'll take the risk of that. I know a reliable boy when I see him."

"Thank you. What is the name of your firm?"

"F. Brandes & Co., commission merchants, Pearl Street. My own name is
Chauncy Hubbard, at your service."

"I am Carl Crawford."

"That's a good name. I predict that we shall be great chums, if I manage
to get you a place in our establishment."

"Is Mr. Brandes a good man to work for?"

"Yes, he is easy and good-natured. He is liberal to his clerks. What
salary do you think I get?"

"I couldn't guess."

"Forty dollars a week, and I am only twenty-five. Went into the house at
sixteen, and worked my way up."

"You have certainly done well," said Carl, respectfully.

"Well, I'm no slouch, if I do say it myself."

"I don't wonder your income pays the expenses of your vacation trip."

"It ought to, that's a fact, though I'm rather free handed and like to
spend money. M