lty lately, and Philip hasn't got over it yet."

"Tell me about it."

Harry told the story, and Howard fully sustained him in what he had
done.

"He must be a mean boy."

"He thinks he has more rights than common folks, such as he considers
me. He tried--or, at least, his mother did--to have Mr. Mead turn me
off, but your uncle is too just a man to go against me for doing my
duty."

"I noticed he gave you half the road this time," said Howard.

"Yes," answered Harry, with a smile. "He doesn't care to have his wheel
taken off again."

By this time they had reached the store, and Howard introduced himself
to his uncle. The next day the blow fell.

"Harry," said Mr. Mead, "I've got bad news for you. My nephew stands in
need of a place, and I can't afford to keep two boys. I wish I could
keep you, too."

"I see how it is, Mr. Mead," said Harry, calmly, though his heart sank
within him. "Howard has the best right to the place. I trust something
will turn up for me."

"I have been perfectly satisfied with you, and am ready to give you the
highest recommendation for honesty and fidelity."

"Thank you, Mr. Mead."

"You will stay till Saturday night, of course, unless something else
should offer before that."

Poor Harry! His heart sank within him as he thought of the serious
difference which the loss of his wages would make at home. The prospect
of another situation was not very good, for Greenville was a small,
quiet place, with very few places of business.

CHAPTER V

LOOKING FOR WORK

Harry shrank from telling his mother that he was about to lose his
place, but he knew it must be done.

In the evening, when he got home from the store, he seemed so restless
that his mother asked him what was the matter with him.

"This is my last week at the store, mother," he answered, soberly. "I
suppose that is what makes me feel nervous."

"Has Mr. Mead been induced by Mrs. Ross to turn you away?" asked Mrs.
Gilbert, beginning to feel indignant.

"No; he isn't that kind of a man."

"Isn't he satisfied with you?"

"I ought to have told you at first that a nephew of his own needs the
place, and he can't afford to employ two boys."

"I believe Mrs. Ross is at the bottom of it, after all," said Mrs.
Gilbert.

"No, mother; there you are wrong," and Harry went on to explain that
Howard's appearance was a surprise to his uncle.

"What kind of a boy is he?" asked