n self-dependence, and in proportion as a man is
dependent upon his employer is he not subject to the whims of that
employer?

The public often wonders about bankclerks, and about other office-men,
too, in fact. Why don't they settle down at a reasonable age and do
their part toward building up a nation? Young men in their teens are
expected to be silly, but when a man of thirty is still a waster he
becomes an enigma.

"What's the matter?" people ask; "where lies the origin of the trouble?"

"In human nature," the capitalist answers. That is the answer that
pleases and excuses him. But is it true and sufficient?

Those whom fortune has favored may, until the day of doom, invent
sophisms to veil their selfishness, but they cannot get rid of the
obligations resting upon them--without discharging them.

When those obligations are ignored injustice is wrought, and oftimes
the result is crime.

CHAPTER XV.

_FIRED._

The month with Robb was nearly up, and Evan was beginning to look for
another lodging. He had a suspicion that his old friend was putting
himself out by entertaining another at four dollars a week. He knew it
would be useless to mention the matter to Robb; he decided that the
only thing for him to do was to vacate, then watch his chance to serve
the ex-manager a good turn some day. He really believed Robb was
paying Mrs. Greig extra on account of the accommodation.

As they sat, now, talking over trivialities, Evan told his friend that
he had found a new boarding-house, which, of course, he had not. The
ex-manager drew a breath deep enough to be a sigh.

"I guess it's better, Evan," he said, thoughtfully; "but I hate to see
you go. Not only because I will miss your company, but I would like to
knock the bank-bug out of your head. That was one reason why I wanted
you here in the first place. I haven't been lucky in turning you up a
job anywhere else just yet, but I'm going to get one for you, and going
to hold you to your promise."

"If you can show me," answered Nelson, "where I'll be better off, it's
me for the new job."

The small increase had not affected Evan seriously.

"I've been showing you all along that you couldn't be worse off than
you are, haven't I?" said Robb.

Evan was not sure; he had had no business experience outside of the
bank; naturally the only job he had ever had looked good to him.

The day after the increases Sam Robb had been off duty again; but the