e room,
the sides lined with bookcases crowded with volumes. There seemed to be
more books than Chester had ever seen before.

In the center of the room was a study table, covered with books, open
as if in use. On one side was a desk, at which Prof. Hazlitt himself
was seated.

"Good-evening, my young friend," he said, cordially, as Chester entered
the room. "You did not forget your appointment."

"No, sir. I was not likely to forget such an engagement."

"Have you grown to feel at home in the city?"

"Not entirely, sir, but I am getting a little used to it."

"I think you mentioned that you were going into a real estate office?"

"Yes, sir. I have commenced my duties there."

"I hope you find them agreeable."

"I might, sir, but that the bookkeeper seems to have taken a dislike to
me."

"I suspect that you would like better to devote yourself to art work."

"I think I should, sir, but Mr. Conrad thinks it better that I should
only devote my leisure to drawing."

"No doubt his advice is wise, for the present, at least. Now, suppose
we come to business. I believe I told you I am writing a book on
ethnology."

"Yes, sir."

"I find a good deal of help in rare volumes which I consult at the
Astor Library. These I cannot borrow, but I have the use of anything I
find suited to my needs in the library of Columbia College. Then I
import a good many books. I shall spare no pains to make my own work
valuable and comprehensive. Of course, I shall feel at liberty to copy
and use any illustrations I find in foreign publications. It is here
that you can help me."

"Yes, sir."

"Here, for instance," and the professor opened a French book, "are some
sketches illustrating the dress and appearance of the natives of
Madagascar. Do you think you can copy them?"

"I have no doubt of it, sir," he answered.

"Sit down in that chair and try. You will find pencils and drawing
paper before you. I will mention one or two particulars in which I want
you to deviate from the original."

Chester sat down and was soon deep in his task. He felt that it was
important for him to do his best. He could understand that, though the
professor was a kind-hearted man, he would be a strict critic.

He therefore worked slowly and carefully, and it was nearly an hour
before he raised his head and said:

"I have finished."

"Show the sketch to me," said the professor.

Chester handed it to him.

He examined it with critical attentio