st office I had to stay till eight o'clock."

"Probably it was necessary there; I won't task you so much."

"When shall I come to-morrow?"

"At nine o'clock."

"That isn't very early," said Herbert, smiling.

"No, I don't get up very early. My health won't allow me to cultivate
early rising. I shall not be through breakfast much before nine."

"I see you don't mean to overwork me, Mr. Melville."

"No, for it would involve overworking myself."

"I shall certainly have an easy time," thought Herbert, as he walked
homeward.

He reflected with satisfaction that he was being paid at the rate of a
dollar a day, which was quite beyond anything he had ever before earned.
Indeed, to-day he had earned sixty cents besides. The sum received for
the fish.

After supper Herbert went to the store to purchase some articles for his
mother. He was waited on by Mr. Graham in person. As the articles called
for would amount to nearly one dollar, the storekeeper said, cautiously:
"Of course, you are prepared to pay cash?"

"Certainly, sir," returned Herbert.

"I mentioned it because I knew your income was small," said Ebenezer,
apologetically.

"It is more than it was last week," said Herbert, rather enjoying the
prospect of surprising the storekeeper.

"Why, you ain't found anything to do, have you?" asked Mr. Graham, his
face indicating curiosity.

"Yes, sir; I am engaged as companion by Mr. Melville, who is staying at
the hotel."

"I don't know what he wants of a companion," said the storekeeper, with
that disposition to criticise the affairs of his neighbors often found
in country places.

"He thinks he needs one," answered Herbert.

"And how much does he pay you now?" queried Ebenezer.

"Six dollars a week."

"You don't mean it!" ejaculated the storekeeper. "Why, the man must be
crazy!"

"I don't think he is," said Herbert, smiling.

"Got plenty of money, I take it?" continued Ebenezer, who had a good
share of curiosity.

"Yes; he tells me he is rich."

"How much money has he got?"

"He didn't tell me that."

"Well, I declare! You're lucky, that's a fact!"

There was an interested listener to this conversation in the person of
Eben, who had been in the store all day, taking Herbert's place. As
we know, the position by no means suited the young man. He had been
employed in a store in Boston, and to come back to a small country
grocery might certainly be considered a descent. Besides, the small
compen