Now you,
Hector, would do excellently, and might hope to make a very successful
professional man."

Hector shook his head.

"I must look to a different career," he said. "I am to be the architect
of my own fortune, you know."

"What are your plans, Hector?" asked the usher.

"I will consult with Mr. Boss, Walter's father. By the way, he knows
nothing of the change in my circumstances. He supposes me to be the heir
to the Roscoe estate."

"Trouble has come upon you early, Hector. Should you need help
hereafter, you must remember that I am earning a good salary and--"

"Thank you, Mr. Crabb," gratefully, "but you will need all you earn. I
don't look upon my loss of fortune as a trouble. I think it will make me
more manly and self-reliant, and stimulate me to exertion. I have a fair
education, and I am sure I can earn my living in some honest way."

"If that is your spirit, Hector, I am sure you will succeed. You are
young and hopeful. I am too much inclined to despond. I have always been
timid about the future. It is a matter of temperament."

It was early in the afternoon when they reached New York. As they
emerged from the depot a bright-faced boy came up eagerly and greeted
them.

"How are you, Hector?" he said. "You see, I came to meet you. I have
been longing to have you come."

"I am just as glad to see you, Walter," said Hector, heartily. "Mr.
Crabb, here is your future pupil, Walter Boss."

"I hope we may soon be friends, Walter," said the usher, attracted by
the bright, sunny face of the boy.

Walter gave the usher his hand.

"I hope so, too," he said, smiling. "I'll try not to worry you any more
than I can help."

"I have no misgivings," said Mr. Crabb, as he mentally contrasted his
new pupil with Jim Smith, and two or three others at the institute, who
had been a frequent source of trouble and annoyance.

"Here is the carriage," said Walter, pointing out a plain but handsome
carriage waiting outside. "Bundle in, both of you! I beg your pardon,
Mr. Crabb, for my familiarity. That was intended for Hector."

"I am ready to be classed with Hector," said Mr. Crabb.

"I am glad to hear you say so. I was afraid you would be stiff and
dignified."

"I think I shall take my cue from you."

"Oh, my rule is, go as you please. Edward, drive home!"

The house occupied by Mr. Boss was a fine brown-stone dwelling on
Forty-second Street. Arrived there, Mr. Crabb was shown into a spacious
chamber, on t