th somebody, for his coat was off, his collar thrown open,
and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. But there was no one in
Newport with whom Johnny was likely to get into trouble, for he was one
of those easy, good-natured boys who seldom have any differences with
their fellows. He had worked hard all day, and this was the first
leisure moment he had been allowed since morning. He had taken advantage
of it to pull off his coat and enjoy the cool breeze of the evening.

Johnny, as we have before remarked, was now as steady, well-behaved a
boy as could be found in the village. He had seen the time when he had
thought it exceedingly "smart" to take part in some desperate scheme for
mischief--like stealing 'Squire Thompson's horse and wagon, and
presenting him with some of his own fruit and vegetables, for
instance--but he had come to the conclusion that not only was that a
poor way to enjoy one's self, but it was a sure method of gaining a very
unenviable reputation. Tom's runaway expedition had opened his eyes. A
few of his companions congratulated him, and said that in bringing the
Swallow back to land, after Rich had lost her in the ocean, he had
performed an exploit to be proud of; but those whose opinions were worth
any thing, shook their heads at him; and, although they did not have
much to say about it, their actions indicated that they thought Johnny
might have been in better business than running away with a lot of lazy
students. Johnny began to think so too, and saw it was high time he
turned over a new leaf, if he ever expected to be any body in the world.
One thing that convinced him of this fact was, the manner in which Mr.
Henry treated him.

There was a vacancy in the store, and it had been promised to Johnny,
whose highest ambition was to become a business man. One morning he
presented himself before the grocer, who was not a little surprised to
see him. "Ah, yes," said he, when Johnny had made known his wants, "I'd
like to have you here. I don't know any one in Newport I would rather
have for a clerk in my store, if I was only sure you could be trusted.
But do you think you could put much faith in a boy who is continually
running around of nights, and who is always in some kind of mischief?
When I promised you the situation I had no idea you were a Night-hawk,
you know."

Johnny thrust his hands deep into his pockets, and walked thoughtfully
out of the store. He had never taken that view of the cas