for three than for two, and the little I
expend on your account is richly made up by the satisfaction we feel in
your society, and your good conduct."

"You say that to encourage me, Uncle Hugh," said Paul. "You have done
all for me. I have done nothing for you."

"No, Paul, I spoke the truth. Hester and I have both been happier since
you came to us. We hope you will long remain with us. You are already as
dear to us as the son that we lost."

"Thank you, Uncle Hugh," said Paul, in a voice tremulous with feeling.
"I will do all I can to deserve your kindness."

XXI.

SMITH AND THOMPSON'S YOUNG MAN.

At seven o'clock the next morning Paul stood before Smith & Thompson's
store.

As he came up on one side, another boy came down on the other, and
crossed the street.

"Are you the new boy?" he asked, surveying Paul attentively.

"I suppose so," said Paul. "I've engaged to work for Smith & Thompson."

"All right. I'm glad to see you," said the other.

This looked kind, and Paul thanked him for his welcome.

"O." said the other, bursting into a laugh, "you needn't trouble
yourself about thanking me. I'm glad you've come, because now I shan't
have to open the store and sweep out. Just lend a hand there; I'll help
you about taking down the shutters this morning, and to-morrow you'll
have to get along alone."

The two boys opened the store.

"What's your name?" asked Paul's new acquaintance.

"Paul Prescott. What is yours?"

"Nicholas Benton. You may call me MR. Benton."

"Mr. Benton?" repeated Paul in some astonishment.

"Yes; I'm a young man now. I've been Smith & Thompson's boy till now.
Now I'm promoted."

Paul looked at MR. Benton with some amusement. That young man was
somewhat shorter than himself, and sole proprietor of a stock of pale
yellow hair which required an abundant stock of bear's grease to keep
it in order. His face was freckled and expressionless. His eyebrows and
eyelashes were of the same faded color. He was dressed, however,
with some pretensions to smartness. He wore a blue necktie, of large
dimensions, fastened by an enormous breast-pin, which, in its already
tarnished splendor, suggested strong doubts as to the apparent gold
being genuine.

"There's the broom, Paul," said Mr. Benton, assuming a graceful position
on the counter.

"You'll have to sweep out; only look sharp about raising a dust, or
Smith'll be into your wool."

"What sort of a man is Mr. Smith?" asked P