the widow, disposed to dislike in
advance the boy who had been the means of depriving her son of a place.

"He's a nice fellow. I like him already. Of course I am sorry to lose my
place, but, if I must, I am willing he should have it. I think we shall
be good friends."

"But what are you going to do, Harry?" asked his mother, anxiously.
"Your wages have been our dependence."

"I am sure I shall get something else to do, mother," said Harry, in a
tone of confidence which he did not feel. "Tending store isn't the only
thing to be done."

"I am sure, I hope so," said Mrs. Gilbert, despondently.

"Don't trouble yourself, mother, about the future. Just leave it to me,
and you'll see if I don't get something to do."

Nevertheless, the widow could not help troubling herself. She knew that
employment was hard to find in the village, at any rate and could not
conjecture where Harry was to find it. She did not, however, say much on
the subject, fearing to depress his spirits.

Saturday night came, and Harry received his wages.

"I don't know where my next week's wages are coming from, Mr. Mead," he
said, soberly.

"You may be sure that I will recommend you for any employment I hear of,
Harry," said Mr. Mead, earnestly. "I really wish I could afford to keep
you on. You mustn't allow yourself to be discouraged."

"I won't--if I can help it," answered Harry.

The next day was Sunday, and he did not realize that he was out of a
position; but, when Monday morning came, and he could lie abed as long
as he pleased, with no call to work, he felt sad.

After a light breakfast, he rose from the table and took his hat.

"Where are you going, Harry?" asked his mother.

"I am going out in search of a job, mother," he replied.

The number of stores was limited, and he was pretty sure in advance that
there was no opening in any one of them, but he wanted to make sure.

He applied at one after another, and without success.

"I'd take you quick enough, Harry," said Mr. Draper, the dry-goods
dealer, "but I've got all the help I need."

"So I expected, Mr. Draper, but I thought I would ask."

"All right, Harry. If I hear of anything, I will be sure to let you
know," said Mr. Draper, in a friendly tone.

All this evidence of friendliness was, of course, pleasant, but the
prospect of a place would have been more welcome, so poor Harry thought.
At ten o'clock he reached home.

His mother looked up when he entered, but she saw,