ot wish to dampen your cheerfulness. Keep it, and
let it comfort you."

If Phil could have heard the conversation that took place between
Mrs. Pitkin and Alonzo after their departure, he might have felt less
hopeful.

"It is dreadfully annoying that that woman should turn up after all
these years!" said Mrs. Pitkin, in a tone of disgust.

"Is she really your cousin, ma?" asked Alonzo.

"Yes, but she disgraced herself by a low marriage, and was cast off."

"That disposes of her, then?"

"I don't know. If she could meet Uncle Oliver, I am afraid she would
worm herself into his confidence and get him to do something for her.
Then it is unfortunate that she and that boy have fallen in with each
other. She may get him to speak to Uncle Oliver in her behalf."

"Isn't he working for pa?"

"Yes."

"Why don't you get pa to discharge him while Uncle Oliver is away?"

"Well thought of, Alonzo! I will speak to your father this very
evening."

CHAPTER XXII.

PHIL IS "BOUNCED."

Saturday, as is usual in such establishments, was pay-day at the store
of Phil's employers. The week's wages were put up in small envelopes and
handed to the various clerks.

When Phil went up to the cashier to get his money he put it quietly into
his vest-pocket.

Daniel Dickson, the cashier, observing this, said:

"Brent, you had better open your envelope."

Rather surprised, Phil nevertheless did as requested.

In the envelope, besides the five-dollar bill representing his week's
salary, he found a small slip of paper, on which was written these
ominous words:

"Your services will not be required after this week." Appended to this
notice was the name of the firm.

Phil turned pale, for to him, embarrassed as he was, the loss of his
place was a very serious matter.

"What does this mean, Mr. Dickson?" he asked quickly.

"I can't inform you," answered the cashier, smiling unpleasantly, for he
was a selfish man who sympathized with no one, and cared for no one as
long as he himself remained prosperous.

"Who handed you this paper?" asked Phil.

"The boss."

"Mr. Pitkin?"

"Of course."

Mr. Pitkin was still in his little office, and Phil made his way
directly to him.

"May I speak to you, sir?" asked our hero.

"Be quick about it then, for I am in a hurry," answered Pitkin, in a
very forbidding tone.

"Why am I discharged, sir?"

"I can't go into details. We don't need you any longer."

"Are you not satisfied w