s nothing, thinking as I was all the
time about the conversation, of Mrs John's sweet, patient face, and the
constantly attentive manner of Mr John, every action of his being
repaid by a grateful smile. "I wonder," I thought, "how it is possible
that Mr Dempster and Mr John could be cousins;" and then I went on
thinking about the interview at the office when Mr Dempster was so
harsh.

This kept my attention till I reached the Deans', and then I walked
straight in to find Mrs Dean making believe to read, while Esau was
bending his head slowly in a swaying motion nearer and nearer to the
candle every moment. In fact I believe if I had not arrived as I did,
Esau's hair would have been singed so as to need no cutting for some
time. As it was, he leaped up at a touch.

"Oh, here you are!" he said. "If you hadn't come I believe I should
soon have dropped asleep."

CHAPTER FOUR.

HOW MR. DEMPSTER USED HIS CANE.

My life at the office grew more miserable every day, and Mr Isaac
Dempster more tyrannical.

That's a big word to use, and seems more appropriate to a Roman emperor
than to a London auctioneer; but, on quietly thinking it over, it is
quite correct, for I honestly believe that that man took delight in
abusing Esau and me.

Let me see; what did some one say about the employment of boys? "A boy
is a boy; two boys are half a boy; and three boys are no boy at all."

Of course, as to the amount of work they do. But it is not true, for I
know--one of the auction-room porters told me--that Mr Dempster used to
keep two men-clerks in his office, till they both discharged themselves
because they would not put up with what the porter called "his
nastiness." Then we were both engaged.

That was one day when Dingle came down in his green baize apron and
carpet-cap, and had to wait till our employer returned from his lunch.

"Ah!" he said, "the guv'nor used to lead them two a pretty life, and
keep 'em ever so late sometimes."

"But he had more business then, I suppose?" I said.

"Not he. Busier now, and makes more money. Nobody won't stop with
him."

"Yes, they will," said Esau. "You said you'd been with him fourteen
years."

"Yes," said Dingle, showing his yellow teeth, "but I'm an auctioneer's
fixtur', and going ain't in my way."

"Why not?" asked Esau.

"Got a wife and twelve children, squire, and they nails a man down."

Just then Mr Dempster came in, ordered Dingle to go into his room, and