l myself rich if I had his money."

"He's a miserly old hunks, then, to give me such small pay."

"Don't let him hear you say so."

"I'll take care of that. Come, you'll help me, won't you?"

"Yes," answered Chester, good-naturedly; "I might as well, as I have
nothing else to do."

Between the two the basket was easily carried. In a short time they had
reached the minister's house. They took the basket around to the side
door, just as Mr. Morris, the minister, came out, accompanied by a
young man, who was evidently a stranger in the village, as Chester did
not remember having seen him before.

"Chester," said the minister, kindly, "how does it happen that you have
an assistant to-day?"

"I am the assistant, Mr. Morris. Abel is Mr. Tripp's new boy."

"Indeed, I am surprised to hear that. When did you leave the store?"

"Last Saturday night."

"Have you another place?"

"Not yet."

"Are you at leisure this afternoon?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then perhaps you will walk around with my friend, Mr. Conrad, and show
him the village. I was going with him, but I have some writing to do,
and you will do just as well."

"I shall be very happy to go with Mr. Conrad," said Chester, politely.

"And I shall be very glad to have you," said the young man, with a
pleasant smile.

"Come back to supper, Chester," said the minister; "that is, if your
mother can spare you."

"Thank you, sir. I suppose you will be able to carry back the empty
basket, Abel," added Chester, as his successor emerged from the side
door, relieved of his burden.

"I guess so," answered Abel, with a grin.

"I was never in Wyncombe before," began Mr. Conrad, "though I am a
second cousin of your minister, Mr. Morris. I have to go away to-morrow
morning, and wish to see a little of the town while I am here."

"Where do you live, Mr. Conrad?"

"In the city of New York."

"Are you a minister, too?"

"Oh, no!" laughed the young man. "I am in a very different business. I
am an artist--in a small way. I make sketches for books and magazines."

"And does that pay?"

"Fairly well. I earn a comfortable living."

"I didn't know one could get money for making pictures. I like to draw,
myself."

"I will see what you can do this evening; that is, if you accept my
cousin's invitation."

Before the walk was over Chester had become much interested in his new
friend. He listened eagerly to his stories of the great city, and felt
that life must be much be