ing
to New York would do any good, I would not grudge you the money--"

"Something will turn up, or I will turn up something," said Ben
confidently.

When he asked Mr. Crawford for a day off, the latter responded: "Yes,
Ben, I think I can spare you, as Monday is not a very busy day. Would
you be willing to do an errand for me?"

"Certainly Mr. Crawford, with pleasure."

"I need a new supply of prints. Go to Stackpole & Rogers, No. ----
White Street, and select me some attractive patterns. I shall rely
upon your taste."

"Thank you, sir," said Ben, gratified by the compliment.

He received instructions as to price and quantity, which he carefully
noted down.

"As it will save me a journey, not to speak of my time, I am willing
to pay your fare one way."

"Thank you, sir; you are very kind."

Mr. Crawford took from the money drawer a dollar, and handed it to
Ben.

"But I buy an excursion ticket, so that my fare each way will be but
seventy-five cents."

"Never mind, the balance will go toward your dinner."

"There, mother, what do you say now?" said Ben, on Saturday night.
"Mr. Crawford is going to pay half my expenses, and I am going to buy
some goods for him."

"I am glad he reposes so much confidence in you, Ben. I hope you
won't lose his money."

"Oh, I don't carry any. He buys on thirty days. All I have to do is
to select the goods."

"Perhaps it is for the best that you go, after all," said Mrs.
Barclay. "At any rate, I hope so."

At half-past seven o'clock on Monday morning Ben stood on the platform
of the Pentonville station, awaiting the arrival of the train.

"Where are you going?" said a voice.

Ben, turning, saw that it was Tom Davenport who had spoken.

"I am going to New York," he answered briefly.

"Has Crawford discharged you?"

"Why do you ask? Would you like to apply for the position?" asked Ben
coolly.

"Do you think I would condescend to be a grocer's boy?" returned Tom
disdainfully.

"I don't know."

"If I go into business it will be as a merchant."

"I am glad to hear it."

"You didn't say what you were going to New York for?"

"I have no objection to tell you, as you are anxious to know; I am
going to the city to buy goods."

Tom looked not only amazed, but incredulous.

"That's a likely story," said he, after a pause.

"It is a true story."

"Do you mean to say Crawford trusts you buy goods for him?"

"So it seems."

"He must be getting weak-h