ew York before, and was disgusted with
himself when he thought of the time he had wasted here at home.

But there was no use in thinking of the past. The thing to do now was to
get to the city as quickly as possible, for to Archie every day seemed
precious, and each delay kept him further from the consummation of
his hopes. It never occurred to the boy that his mother might have
objections to his leaving home. She had always been very ambitious for
his future, and he supposed that she would be delighted at the idea
of having her boy in the great city, where he would have innumerable
chances for improving himself. So when they sat on the front porch,
one evening, and he told her of his plan, he was surprised to hear his
mother pleading with him to remain at home. "Archie," she said, "I am
almost sure you will come to some bad end in the city. You really must
not go, for my sake, if for no other reason."

"But, mother, I can't remain here in town always. I must go out into
the world some time to earn a living and make a place for myself, and I
think the sooner I go the better, don't you?"

"Yes, Archie, but you're so young, and you've had no experience. You
have no idea of the things there are in great cities to drag young men
down. I don't think I could stand it to have you so far away from home
and in such danger."

"Well, mother," said Archie, "there isn't much use in arguing about it.
I have reached a point where I don't think I can be any longer satisfied
at home. I have been here seventeen years, and I think I can remain here
that much longer without improving myself. In the city I am sure I can
make rapid progress, and in a year or two you can come there and live
with me."

Archie got up from the porch and went down the street, while poor Mrs.
Dunn ran over next door to see her neighbour, Mrs. Sullivan. When she
had entered the disorderly kitchen, and seated herself on one of the
home-made chairs, the anxious mother burst into tears. "I don't know
what to think of Archie, Mrs. Sullivan," she said. "He is determined,
now, to go to New York, and I know that if he goes I will never be able
to see him again. I am nigh distracted with worrying over it. I have
talked with him, but he seems determined, and I know I can never hold
out against his entreaties and arguments."

"Sure, now, Mrs. Dunn," said the Widow Sullivan, "don't yez be a
worryin' about 'im at all. That Archie is a smart boy, he is, and if he
goes to