t in the store."

Paul listened to this assertion with unutterable surprise.

"I am quite certain I bought it here," said the woman, perplexed.

"Must have been the next store,--Blake & Hastings. Better go over
there."

The woman went out.

"That's the way to do business," said Williams, winking at Paul.

Paul said nothing, but he felt more than ever doubtful about retaining
his place.

XXII.

MR. BENTON'S ADVENTURE.

One evening, about a fortnight after his entrance into Smith &
Thompson's employment, Paul was putting up the shutters, the business
of the day being over. It devolved upon him to open and close the store,
and usually he was the last one to go home.

This evening, however, Mr. Nicholas Benton graciously remained behind
and assisted Paul in closing the store. This was unusual, and surprised
Paul a little. It was soon explained, however.

"Good-night, Nicholas,--I mean, Mr. Benton," said Paul.

"Not quite yet. I want you to walk a little way with me this evening."

Paul hesitated.

"Come, no backing out. I want to confide to you a very important
secret."

He looked so mysterious that Paul's curiosity was aroused, and
reflecting that it was yet early, he took his companion's proffered arm,
and sauntered along by his side.

"What's the secret?" he asked at length, perceiving that Nicholas was
silent.

"Wait till we get to a more retired place."

He turned out of Broadway into a side street, where the passers were
less numerous.

"I don't think you could guess," said the young man, turning towards our
hero.

"I don't think I could."

"And yet," continued Benton, meditatively, "it is possible that you may
have noticed something in my appearance just a little unusual, within
the last week. Haven't you, now?"

Paul could not say that he had.

Mr. Benton looked a little disappointed.

"Nobody can tell what has been the state of my feelings," he resumed
after a pause.

"You ain't sick?" questioned Paul, hastily.

"Nothing of the sort, only my appetite has been a good deal affected.
I don't think I have eaten as much in a week as you would in a day," he
added, complacently.

"If I felt that way I should think I was going to be sick," said Paul.

"I'll let you into the secret," said Mr. Benton, lowering his voice, and
looking carefully about him, to make sure that no one was within hearing
distance--"I'M IN LOVE."

This seemed so utterly ludicrous to Paul, that he came