ew occupation already.

The tent was soon stretched and the large skylight adjusted. Some of
the idlers who are always present at any outdoor proceedings in town,
lent a hand now and then, being rewarded with a few nickels by the
artist.

"Now, Ralph," said Mr. Quigg, after the trunks and other movables had
been taken inside, "do you know what a poster is?"

Without waiting for a reply, he lifted from a chest a pile of gaily
colored placards describing in florid style and with gorgeous
illustrations, the unrivaled perfections of Lemuel Quigg as an artist,
the cheapness of his prices, &c., &c.

"What do you think of these?" asked Quigg holding up one of the
largest. "Won't they take the town?"

"It says you are one of the best artists in the world," said Ralph,
scanning the poster gravely. "Are you?"

"Why of course I am!" Here Mr. Quigg stared at Ralph a moment, then
smiled and winked knowingly. "You have to say those things, or people
will not think anything of you--see?"

"Whether it is so or not?"

"To be sure. You must blow your own horn, my boy, if you want to get
on. Humbug 'em right and left, if you look to see the scads come in
fast."

"I wouldn't lie just to make a little money," said Ralph so earnestly
that the artist broke into a laugh.

"You're in training for an angel, you are. Look out you don't starve
though, before your wings sprout. But--let's get to work."

The artist selected a number of posters which he hung over a short
stick, to each end of which was attached a leather strap. This he
slung around Ralph's shoulder, after the manner of a professional bill
sticker.

Then placing in his hand a bucket of paste, which he had prepared that
morning in the car, together with a brush, he inquired:

"Think you can find your way round town without getting lost?"

Ralph was not certain, but said he would try.

"If you get lost, just inquire your way to Main and Third Streets.
That's here. Now come on, and I will show you how to stick bills.
Don't take long to learn this trade."

Ralph followed Mr. Quigg to a vacant wall near by, where he took a
large poster, held it flat against the wall with one hand, gave a
dexterous swipe or two with the brush, reversed it, then with a few
more flourishes drew back and surveyed his work triumphantly.

"Try a small one over yonder," he said to the boy.

Ralph obeyed instructions in an awkward, though passable manner,
whereat the artist looke