r," said Jack.

After a pause, I heard him say, "Will you lend me that entry-book,
please, Harris, to make the copies from?"

"No," curtly replied Harris; "I'm using it."

"But Mr Barnacle says he must have it at once."

"I can't help that," said Harris.

"That's right, Harris!" said another voice; "pay him out for his
beastly, selfish ill-nature!"

"Will you lend me the book, Harris?" again demanded Jack, in tones which
I could tell were fast losing their calmness.

"No, I won't! and what's more, shut up your row!" replied Harris.

There was a pause, then I heard Jack get off his stool and march boldly
to the door. He came out and passed solemnly through our office to the
door of Mr Barnacle's room, which he entered.

Next moment Mr Barnacle came out, very red in the face, and demanded,
in a loud voice, "Who is it using the entry-book? Didn't you hear me
say the copies were to be made at once, sir? Let Smith have the book."

"It's on his desk," replied Harris, meekly. "I was only ruling off the
last line, to show where the account ended."

"Copy it at once," said Mr Barnacle, sharply; "the papers have to be
down before twelve, and here's five minutes wasted already."

Smith silently went to work, and Mr Barnacle withdrew.

"Vile young sneak!" I heard Harris say; "I'll pay you out for that!"

"I didn't want to sneak. You should have given me the book," replied
Jack solemnly.

"I'll give you _something_, see if I don't!" was the reply.

I believe Jack did receive this promised something. He did not come out
at mid-day till late, and then he was pale and flurried.

"Has Harris been bullying you?" I said.

"Been doing his best," replied Jack, gloomily. "I don't much care for
him."

This was quite enough. I could guess what it meant.

"I suppose you think I was a fearful sneak?" said Jack.

"No I don't, old man!" said I.

I had, I must confess, felt a little doubtful on the subject; but, then,
what else could he have done?

"I'm sorry I did it now," said Jack solemnly; "I sha'n't do it again."

"What else could you do?" I asked.

"I shall have to knock Harris down, I suppose," said Jack, so seriously
that I stared at him in bewilderment.

Without doubt my poor chum was preparing a warm time for himself with
the Imports at Merrett, Barnacle, and Company's!

That same evening he entered on his new quarters at Mrs Nash's, greatly
to my joy, and greatly to the disgust of everybody els