CHAPTER XVII. AN ACCEPTABLE PRESENT.

As the clock at the Old South Church struck one, Herbert ascended
the steps of Parker's Hotel, and walked into the reading room. George
Melville was already there.

"You are on time, Herbert," he said, with a smile, as our hero made his
appearance.

"Yes, sir; but I began to think I should miss my appointment."

"Where have you been?"

"To Bunker Hill."

"Did you ascend the monument?"

"Yes, sir, and had a fight at the summit."

Mr. Melville looked at Herbert in amazement.

"Had a fight at the top of Bunker Hill Monument?" he ejaculated.

"Yes, sir; let me tell you about it."

When the story was told, Mr. Melville said: "That was certainly a
remarkable adventure, Herbert. Still, I am not sorry that it occurred."

It was Herbert's turn to look surprised.

"I will tell you why. It proves to me that you are worthy of my
confidence, and can be trusted with the care of money. It has also
taught you a lesson, to beware of knaves, no matter how plausible they
may be."

"I haven't got over my surprise yet, sir, at discovering the real
character of the man who went with me. I am sorry I met him. I don't
like to distrust people."

"Nor I. But it is not necessary to distrust everybody. In your
journey through the world you will make many agreeable and trustworthy
acquaintances in whom it will be safe to confide. It is only necessary
to be cautious and not give your confidence too soon."

"Oh, I didn't mention that I met somebody from Wayneboro," said Herbert.

"Was it Eben Graham?"

"Yes."

"I met him myself on Washington Street. Did you speak to him?"

"Yes, sir."

"I suppose he goes back to-night?"

"I don't think he will go back at all, Mr. Melville."

His employer looked at him inquiringly.

"I saw him buy a ticket to Chicago, though he does not know it,"
continued Herbert. "When he spoke with me he didn't admit it, but spoke
of going back by an afternoon train."

"I am afraid he has appropriated some of his father's funds," said
Melville. "I doubt if Ebenezer Graham would voluntarily furnish him the
means of going West."

"That was just what occurred to me," said Herbert; "but I didn't like to
think that Eben would steal."

"Perhaps he has not. We shall be likely to hear when we return. But you
must be hungry. We will go in to dinner."

Herbert followed Mr. Melville into the dining room, where a good dinner
was ordered, and partaken of. Herb