elt
angry and disappointed, and desirous of "coming up with" Herbert, as he
expressed it, though it was hard to see in what way the boy had injured
him. It did not seem quite clear at present how he was to punish
Herbert, but he only waited for an occasion.

When Herbert learned, the next morning, from Mr. Melville, in what
manner Eben had tried to undermine him, and deprive him of his
situation, he was naturally indignant.

"I didn't think Eben Graham could be so mean," he exclaimed.

"It was certainly a mean thing to do, Herbert," said George Melville;
"but you can afford to treat young Graham with contempt, as he has been
unable to do you any injury."

"What shall we do this morning, Mr. Melville?" asked Herbert.

"I should like a row on the river," said Melville. "Do you know of any
boat we can have?"

"Walter Ingalls has a boat; I think we can hire that."

"Do you know him?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then you may go and ascertain whether we can have it, or I will go with
you to avoid loss of time."

The boat was readily loaned, and the two were soon on the river. Mr.
Melville first took the oars, but he was quickly fatigued, and resigned
them to Herbert, who was strong and muscular for his age. As his
companion observed his strong and steady strokes, he said:

"Herbert, I am disposed to envy you your strength and endurance. I get
tired very easily."

"Were you not strong when a boy?" asked Herbert.

"I never had much endurance. My mother had a feeble constitution and was
consumptive, and I inherit something of her weakness."

"It is fortunate that you have money, Mr. Melville, so that you are not
obliged to work."

"True; but I would give half my fortune to be strong and well."

Herbert noticed the hectic flush upon Mr. Melville's cheeks, and his
white, transparent hands, and his sympathy was aroused.

"I see," he said, thoughtfully, "that I am more fortunate than I thought
in my health and strength."

"They are blessings not to be overestimated, Herbert. However, my lot
is, on the whole, a happy one, even though my life will probably be
brief, and I have still many sources of satisfaction and enjoyment."

The river led away from the village, flowing between wooded banks, with
here and there a cottage set in the midst of the fields. Lying back in
the stern, Melville enjoyed their tranquil passage, when their attention
was suddenly attracted by a boy who stood on the bank, frantically
waving his hat. M