nt, and he will
draw what sum he wishes."

"You are in luck, Mark," said the clerk when Mark accompanied him into
the main office. "You are in luck, and I am heartily glad of it."

"Thank you, Mr. Nichols. I feel rich."

"It is a good beginning at any rate. I am ten years older than you
probably, but I haven't as much money as you. But I don't envy you, and
I won't even ask for a loan."

When Mark left the office and reappeared on Broadway his face was
flushed with pleasure, and he walked with the elastic step of one whose
spirits are light.

Just as he stepped into the street, he met his cousin Edgar.

"Hello!" said Edgar in a condescending tone. "So it's you, is it?"

"To the best of my knowledge it is, my good cousin."

"Don't call me cousin," said Edgar, hastily.

"I wont," answered Mark promptly. "I am just as much ashamed of the
relationship as you are."

"I suppose that is a joke!" responded Edgar haughtily. "If it is, it is
a poor one."

"No joke at all!"

"Where have you been?"

"To the office of Mr. Rockwell, my banker."

"_Your_ banker!" sneered Edgar. "How long has he been your banker, I
should like to know."

"Only since this morning. I have just deposited some money with him."

"Indeed! How much?"

"A thousand dollars."

"You are too funny altogether. If you are ever worth a thousand cents
you will be lucky."

"Do you think so?" returned Mark, smiling. "I shouldn't be satisfied
with so small a fortune as that."

"My father tells me you and your mother have made him a very poor return
for a kind offer he made you yesterday."

"That's a matter of business, Edgar. We didn't look upon it in the same
way. But I am afraid I must tear myself away from your company. I shall
be expected at the office."

"Go by all means. It wouldn't do for you to be bounced. You might starve
if you lost your place."

"I am not very much afraid of that."

"At any rate I ought not to be talking with you. Father does not care to
have me associate with you."

"I hope he won't disinherit you. That would be serious for you. If he
does, come round to our house, and we will take care of you."

"You are too awfully funny. I think it would be better for you if you
were not quite so fresh."

Mark laughed and went on his way.

"Wouldn't Edgar be surprised," he thought, "if he knew how large a sum I
had on deposit with Mr. Rockwell? He thought I was joking when I was
only telling the truth."

When Mark w