longer than any of the
others," he went on. "He is a man whom we all respect and whose loyalty
and friendship we value highly. Years ago he left his native land to
become a citizen of this country and give to America his skill and
knowledge. His faithful, intelligent labor has had much to do with the
building up of our business and the establishment of a standard for
thorough, reliable work. You all know the man I have in mind--Angus
McPhearson."

Cheers broke in on the speech. The old Scotchman was a general favorite.
It was easy to see that.

"This winter," added Mr. Burton, "this craftsman has annexed to his
other duties that of tutor. He has taken you, Christopher, and taught
you more in a few short months than I ever knew you to learn before in
all your history. Because your mother and I are grateful to him for his
kindness, interest, and instruction; because, as the head of this firm I
value his services and wish to recognize them, I have selected for you a
birthday present that shall include him. I know you like him very
much--"

"You bet I do!" interrupted Christopher enthusiastically.

"And so," continued Mr. Burton, bestowing on the comment only a smile,
"we have planned to send you two to Europe this summer on a clock-seeing
expedition."

"Oh!" cried Christopher.

"Oh, sir!" came in a bewildered whisper from the Scotchman.

"You will first go to Scotland," explained Mr. Burton, "and there
McPhearson is to visit his old home and the friends he wishes to hunt
up. He is not to hurry about it, either. Then, while you are there, he
is to take you for a trip through the Scotch Lakes that you may see the
beauty of the land that turns out such splendid men as he. After that
you will travel down through England, seeing all you can as you go and
searching out the old clocks and the famous collections of them that he
has told you about. Then across the Channel in an airship (you will like
that, Christopher) and on to France, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy.
How does the proposition strike you, son?"

"We'll see the bears of Berne, Mr. McPhearson," cried Christopher
excitedly. "And the Straasburg clock, too! And that wonderful clock in
Venice. Think of it!"

"I am scarcely able to think of it," gasped the little Scotchman.

"You would like to go?" inquired Mr. Burton gently.

"Oh, sir, it has been my dream for years. I have thought and thought of
sometime making such a journey. But it never has been possib