Dick was called away by Mr. Murdock, who had some work for him
to do.

"There's something mighty queer in all this," thought the book-keeper.
"What Mr. Rockwell can see in that boy, I don't understand. He's an
impudent young rascal, and I'll get him turned off if it's a possible
thing."

CHAPTER VII.

A FINANCIAL DISCUSSION.

In the course of the morning Dick called at the Park Bank, and presented
the check which was made payable to himself. His employer had
accompanied him to the bank on a previous day, and introduced him to the
cashier as one who was authorized to receive and pay over money for the
firm. Dick therefore found no difficulty in obtaining his money, though
the fact that the check was made payable to him created some surprise.

"Your salary seems to be a large one," said the teller, as he handed our
hero ten bills of a hundred dollars each.

"Yes," said Dick, "my services are very valooable."

On leaving the bank, Dick went to the savings bank, and presented his
book.

"How much do you wish to deposit?"

"A thousand dollars," said Dick, briefly.

The bank officer looked at him in surprise.

"How much did you say?" he repeated.

"A thousand dollars."

"No nonsense, young man! My time is too valuable," said the other,
impatiently.

He was justified in his incredulity, since Dick's deposits hitherto had
been in sums of from one to five dollars.

"If you don't want to take the money, I can go somewhere else," said our
hero, who was now on his dignity. "I have a thousand dollars to deposit.
Here it is."

The bank officer took the money, and counted it over in considerable
surprise.

"Business is improving,--isn't it?" he said.

"Yes," said Dick. "I made all that money in one day."

"If you should want a partner, call round and see me."

"All right. I won't forget."

Dick took the bank-book, and, putting it in his inside coat-pocket,
buttoned up his coat, and hurried back to the store. His reflections
were of a very agreeable nature, as he thought of his large deposit in
the savings bank, and he could not help feeling that he had been born
under a lucky star.

Nothing of consequence transpired in the store that day. Dick was
attentive to his duties. He was determined to learn the business as
rapidly as possible, not only because he felt grateful to Mr. Rockwell
for his kindness, but also because he knew that this was the best thing
for his future prospects. Mr. Murdock, who