sation.

"It's rather hard to get out of a job just now," said James.
"Why couldn't the superintendent discharge somebody else?"

"I suppose it's all right," said Ben. "We were taken on last, and
we haven't as much claim to remain as those that have been in
the mill longer."

"I don't believe there was any need of discharging anybody,"
complained James.

"You know business is very dull," said Ben, who was more
considerate, "and I hear they have been losing money."

"Oh, well, they can stand it," said James.

"So can you," said Ben. "Your father is pretty well off, and
you won't suffer."

"Oh, I shall have enough to eat, and so on; but I shan't have
any spending money, and I can't get a new suit, as I expected to
this fall."

"I wish that was all I had to fear," said Ben; "but you know how
it is with me. I don't see how Aunt Jane is going to get along
without my earnings."

"Oh, you'll get along somehow," said James carelessly, for he
did not care enough about other people's prospects to discuss
them.

"Yes, I guess so," said Ben, more cheerfully. "There's no use
in worrying. Wait and Hope--that's my motto."

"You have to wait a thundering long time sometimes," said James.
"Well, good night. Come round and see me to-morrow. You'll
have plenty of time."

"I don't know about that. I must look up something to do."

"I shan't. I am going to wait till the superintendent takes me
on again. There's one comfort. I can lie abed as long as I want
to. I won't be tied to the factory bell."

The house which James entered was a good-sized two-story house,
with an ample yard, and a garden behind it. His father kept a
dry-goods store in Milltown, and was generally considered
well-to-do. James entered the mill, not because he was obliged
to, but because he wanted to have a supply of money in his
pocket. His father allowed him to retain all of his wages,
requiring him only to purchase his own clothes. As he was paid
five dollars a week, James was able to clothe himself with half
his income, and reserve the rest for spending-money. He was very
fond of amusements, and there was no circus, concert, or other
entertainment in Milltown which he did not patronize.

Ben kept on his way, till he reached the small house where his
aunt lived, and which had been his own home ever since his
parents died, when he was but five years of age. Two years
before, Mr. Reuben Bradford, his uncle, died, and since then
t