sation allowed him was far from satisfying Eben.

He was even more dissatisfied when he learned how fortunate Herbert was.
To be selected as a companion by a rich young man was just what he would
have liked himself, and he flattered himself that he should make a more
desirable companion than a mere boy like Herbert.

As our hero was leaving the store, Eben called him back.

"What was that you were telling father about going round with a young
man from the city?" he asked.

Herbert repeated it.

"And he pays you six dollars a week?" asked Eben, enviously.

"Yes; of course, I shouldn't have asked so much, but he fixed the price
himself."

"You think he is very rich?" said Eben, thoughtfully.

"Yes, I think so."

"What a splendid chance it would be for me!" thought Eben. "If I could
get intimate with a man like that, he might set me up in business some
day; perhaps take me to Europe, or round the world!" "How much of the
time do you expect to be with this Mr. Melville?" he asked.

Herbert answered the question.

"Does he seem like a man easy to get along with?"

"Very much so."

Eben inwardly decided that, if he could, he would oust Herbert from his
desirable place, and substitute himself. It was a very mean thought, but
Eben inherited meanness from his father.

"Herbert," he said, "will you do me a favor?"

"What is it?" asked our hero.

"Will you take my place in the store this evening? I am not feeling
well, and want to take a walk."

"Yes," answered Herbert, "as soon as I have run home to tell mother
where I am."

"That's a good fellow. You shan't lose anything by it. I'll give you ten
cents."

"You needn't pay me anything, Eben. I'll do it as a favor."

"You're a trump, Herbert. Come back as soon as you can."

When Eben was released from the store, he went over to the hotel, and
inquired for Mr. Melville, leaving his unsuspecting young substitute in
the post office.

CHAPTER VIII. EBEN'S ASSURANCE.

"A young man wishes to see you, Mr. Melville," said the servant.

George Melville looked up in some surprise from his book, and said: "You
may show him up."

"It must be Herbert," he thought.

But when the door was opened, and the visitor shown in, Mr. Melville
found it was an older person than Herbert. Eben, for it was he,
distorted his mean features into what he regarded as a pleasant smile,
and, without waiting to receive a welcome, came forward with extended
hand.

"I beli