he is a poor
relation, I do not feel called upon to support all my needy
relations. I am glad you have obtained a situation in which you can
make an honest living. I hope you will keep it, and won't squander
the small sum of money you have in reserve.

Yours, etc.,
ALBERT MARLOWE.

When Uncle Jacob read this letter, he smiled.

"It is what I expected," he said to himself. "Albert Marlowe is
thoroughly selfish, and so, I think, are his wife and son. I must find
some other way of helping Bert."

The day succeeding the receipt of Uncle Jacob's letter, the squire met
Bert in the post-office.

"Have you been writing to Jacob Marlowe?" he asked.

"Yes, sir."

"I suppose you asked him to urge me to take you back into the factory?"

"No, sir."

"At any rate, he has done so; but I allow no one to interfere in my
business affairs. You hear, do you?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then remember it!" and Squire Marlowe turned his back rudely upon Bert.

"Here is a letter for you, Bert!" said the postmaster.

Bert opened the letter in some surprise, and read it with interest and
excitement.

CHAPTER XVIII.

BERT OBTAINS WORK.

To begin with, the letter, which Bert so unexpectedly received,
contained a ten-dollar bill.

"It must be from Uncle Jacob!" he thought. He turned to the next page,
and looked for the signature. It was, as he anticipated, Jacob Marlowe.
It was brief, as will be seen from the copy given below:

MY DEAR NEPHEW:

I am sorry to hear that you have lost your place in the factory. I
think Albert Marlowe might at any rate have retained _you_, knowing
how much you and your mother needed your weekly wages. I have
written to him, asking him to take you back into the shop, but I do
not suppose he will. It is more to test him than anything else that
I have made the request. But, at any rate, we will give him a
chance to deal considerately. Next week, Thursday, if you should
not have found work, come up to the city and seek me at the office
where I am employed, No. 111 Nassau Street, Room 19, and I may have
it in my power to employ you in an important matter. Bring all your
clothes with you, but take only money enough to get to the city,
leaving the balance with your mother. Give my love to her, and tell
her to keep up good courage.

Your affectionate uncle