e firm imposed upon, and that is why I warn you of the
character of your new clerk, though I have no personal interest in the
matter.

"A Friend"

The next day Ben was summoned to the countingroom.

"Ben," said Mr. Porter, "have you any enemy in Milltown?"

"Yes, sir."

"We have just received a letter warning us against you, as unworthy
of our confidence."

Mr. Porter smiled, or Ben might have felt uncomfortable.

"May I see the letter?" he asked.

The letter was placed in his hands.

"It is Sam Archer's handwriting," he said, looking up. "I hope, sir,
you won't let it prejudice you against me."

"I would not allow myself to be influenced by an anonymous letter.
It is a stab in the dark."

"I want to show you how inconsistent Sam is," said Ben. "He was
here a few days ago, and urged me to give up my place here, and
take one in the mill."

"That is rather strange, if he is your enemy."

"No, sir; he don't like it because I have a good place here. If I
should go into the mill I should probably be discharged in a week
or two, and cast adrift."

"Are any boys as malicious as that?"

"Not many, sir, I hope; but Sam is an exception."

"I sympathize with you in your persecution, Ben; but I can assure
you that no anonymous letters will change my opinion of you. If
this enemy sends another letter, I shall feel tempted to increase
your wages."

"Then I hope he'll write again," said Ben, laughing.

"If we continue satisfied with you, we shall probably advance you on
the first of January."

"Thank you, sir," said Ben warmly. "May I answer this letter, sir?"

"You may say that we have shown it to you, and that we despise such
malicious attempts to injure."

The next day Sam received a letter from Ben, which concluded:

"If you write another similar letter to my employers, you will be
doing me quite a service. It will probably cause them to raise my
salary. As I owe my place to you, you now have it in your
power to increase the obligation. How bad you must feel, Sam,
at your inability to do me harm! I can't say I exactly sympathize
with you, but I certainly pity you for harboring such malice in your
heart. I don't know how to express my gratitude for all of your
kindness. If ever you want a situation in Boston let me know.
There is a peanut woman on the Common who wants a smart,
active salesman.

"Ben Bradford"

Sam was stung by the cool indifference and contempt which
appeared in this