learned what was the nature of the trade with each. The old sea
captains were amazed at the pertinence of Hiram's questions, and with
the information he possessed on topics connected with their business.
They could scarcely understand it. It gave them a great respect for the
'fellow,' and Hiram speedily became a favorite with them all. He used to
like to go on board their ships, and chat with them there, whenever he
found time. Do not suppose these were mere pleasure excursions. Hiram
Meeker was forming his opinion of each one of these captains. For in his
mind's eye he saw some of them in _his_ employ; but which? that was the
question. So by mingling with them, he learned much of the mechanical
part of commerce, and he discovered, besides their different characters,
who were competent and honest, and who were not altogether so.

Hiram also spent a good deal of his time conversing with Eastman, with
whom he boarded. He got the latter's ideas of business and about the men
they daily encountered, and Eastman could furnish a fund of valuable
information, based on long experience.

Hiram all this time was indefatigable. He watched the course of trade.
He endeavored to discover the secret of the success of the great South
street houses. He worked, he pondered, and yet all the time served
Hendly, Layton & Gibb with fidelity. Eastman became attached to him.
Mrs. Eastman said the man did not give her half the trouble she
expected. So you see, in certain quarters, Hiram was as popular as ever.

Meantime he had secured a seat in and joined Dr. Chellis's church. He
duly presented himself at the Sunday school and obtained a fine class.
From that time he never missed a service on Sunday, nor a lecture, or
prayer meeting, or other weekly gathering. He even attended a funeral
occasionally, in his zeal to 'wait' on all the ordinances. He was,
however, exceedingly modest and unobtrusive. He did not seek to make
acquaintances, but no one could help noticing his punctilious regularity
and decorum. I have remarked that Hiram determined to cut off what had
been a great source of pleasure--society; but he still paid the same
attention to his personal appearance as before. After a while questions
began to be asked: 'Who is this new comer, so constant, so devout, and
so exemplary?'

'What a fine-looking fellow! I wonder who he is?' whispered Miss Tenant
to Miss Stanley, one morning, as our hero passed their seats (they both
had classes) to