lf could get his ear and plead for me, my appointment would
be certain. Now will you----"

"Call on the governor? With all my heart--consider the thing settled."

"That's not all; you must be my advocate in another quarter. I'm over
head and ears in love with Juliet Trevor--Trapp & Trevor--W. I. Goods,
wholesale. You know the firm?"

"Like a book."

"I want you to see the girl and the old people; I haven't confidence
to propose in person. You can do it for me?"

"With all my heart. I give you joy of the clerkship and the
girl--they're yours."

"I'm eternally obliged, Jack."

"Not the least, my boy--always ready to serve my friends. By the way,
have you got any money about your clothes? I invited you to take
coffee, but I forgot my purse in my other trousers--no change, you
know."

"There, get this V changed," said Bliffins, handing him a bank note.

Jack took the note and walked up to the counter.

"Coffee and pie for two, my dear" said he to the attendant. "It's all
right--you know me--pay next time--Withers and friend. Come, Bill,
I've fixed it."

"But the change!" said Bill.

"Never mind the change--morrow do as well. By, by,--_au revoir_."

"Remember the governor!"

"All right, my boy."

"And Juliet!"

"Make yourself easy."

So they parted. The next day, Jack sent in his card to the governor at
the Adams House, and followed the pasteboard before the message could
be returned. The governor received his visitor with his usual
urbanity.

"Good quarters, governor!" said Jack, looking round him as he dropped
into a rocking chair, and tapped his boot with his walking stick.
"Chief magistrate of the commonwealth--well lodged--people pay--all
right."

The governor was much amused at the coolness of his guest, and waited
patiently to learn his business. He was not kept long in suspense.

"Governor," said Jack, "I come to solicit your favor not on my behalf,
but in the cause of friendship--sacred friendship--holy bond of two
congenial hearts, &c.--but you know all that. My friend, sir, William
Bliffins--unfortunate young man--reduced in circumstances--good
family--good blood--grandfather in the revolution--soil of Bunker Hill
irrigated with the blood of Bliffins--but you know all that--run
through his fortune--on the town--not a penny--hard case."

"Do you solicit charity, sir, for your friend?"

"Not exactly--official favor--vacant clerkship--secretary's
office--make him comfortable--but you kn