since you came here."

"I can't afford to buy any."

"I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll buy some for you, if you'll agree to
pay me up at the rate of fifty cents a week."

"All right!" said Sam, who was very ready to make promises. "Give me
the money, and I'll buy some to-night."

"I'd rather go with you, and see that you get them," said Henry,
quietly. "You might forget what you were after, and spend the money
for something else."

Perhaps Sam recognized the justice of his companion's caution. At any
rate, he interposed no objection.

I hope my young readers, who are used to quite a different style of
living, will not be shocked on being told that Sam purchased
second-hand articles at a place recommended by his roommate.
Considering the small sum at his command, he had no choice in the
matter. Boys who have to pay their entire expenses out of five dollars
a week cannot patronize fashionable tailors or shirt makers. So for
three dollars Sam got a sufficient supply to get along with, though
hardly enough to make a display at a fashionable watering place.

Sam put the bundle, containing this important addition to his wardrobe
under his arm, not without a feeling of complacency.

"Now," said Henry, "it will take you six weeks to pay me for these, at
half a dollar a week."

"All right!" said Sam, carelessly.

He was not one to be disturbed about a debt and his companion was
shrewd enough to see that he must follow Sam up, if he wanted to get
his money paid at the periods agreed upon.

Henry Martin continued to devote a part of every evening to study. He
tried to prevail upon Sam to do the same, but without success.

"I get too tired to study," said Sam, and while his roommate was at
home he was in the habit of strolling about the streets in search of
amusement.

On the next Tuesday evening he met a boy of his acquaintance, who
inquired where he was going.

"Nowhere in particular," said Sam.

"Come into French's Hotel, and see them play billiards."

Sam complied.

There was one vacant table, and presently the other proposed a game.

"I can't afford it," said Sam.

"Oh, it won't be much. If you beat me I'll have to pay."

Sam yielded, and they commenced playing, Both being novices, the game
occupied an hour, and Sam, who was beaten, found to his dismay that he
had to pay sixty cents.

"It don't seem more'n fifteen minutes," he said to himself. "It's
awful dear."

"So it is," said his companion; "b