and made his way to the second-hand shop
where he had made the purchase. He succeeded in effecting an exchange
for a coat which was less noticeable, and that without paying any
bonus.

"If the boss don't say anything about the two dollars," he thought,
"I'll be so much in."

Much to his joy no questions were asked as to the terms on which he
made the exchange, and he felt that he could afford to go to the Old
Bowery that evening.

When he came back he was called into the counting-room.

"Now, my boy, what is your name?" asked the merchant.

"Sam Barker."

"How old are you?"

"Fifteen."

"Are your parents living?"

"No, sir."

"Where do you live?"

Sam hesitated.

"I ain't got no regular place," he answered, at length.

"Where have you generally slept?"

"At the 'Newsboys' Lodge.'"

"I suppose you were a newsboy?"

"Some of the time."

"Well, it makes no difference what you have been. You are now my
errand boy. I have engaged you without knowing very much about you,
because you have been of service to my little boy. I hope you will
serve me faithfully."

"Oh, yes, I will," said Sam, looking particularly virtuous.

"If you do your duty, I shall take an interest in you, and promote you
as you deserve."

"And give me more pay?" suggested Sam.

"Yes, if I find you deserve it. I would rather pay high wages to a boy
who suits me than small wages to an inefficient boy."

"Them's my sentiments," said Sam, promptly; but whether his sentiments
referred to the service or the pay he did not make quite clear.

Mr. Dalton smiled.

"I am glad you agree with me," he said. "There is one other point I
wish to speak of. As you are in my employment, I want you to have a
regular boarding-place. I think it much better for a boy or young man.
You ought to be able to get board and a decent room for four dollars a
week."

"I guess I can," said Sam.

"I will let you go at three o'clock this afternoon--two hours before
our usual hour of closing. That will give you time to secure a place.
Now go out, and Mr. Budd will set you to work."

The clerk whom Sam had first encountered was named William Budd, and
to him he went for orders.

"You may go to the post office for letters first," said Budd. "Our box
is 936."

"All right," said Sam.

He rather liked this part of his duty. It seemed more like play than
work to walk through the streets, and it was comfortable to think he
was going to be paid for it, too.