to scrape along."

When Bert came home to dinner, he was surprised and pleased to find
Uncle Jacob installed and evidently feeling quite at home.

"I wish I could stay at home this afternoon to keep you company," he
said; "but I have only an hour for dinner."

"Business first, my boy!" said the old man. "For pleasure we'll wait
till this evening. Is there a livery stable in the village?"

"Yes, sir; Houghton's."

"Then after supper we'll hire a buggy, and you and your mother and I
will take a ride."

"But, Uncle Jacob, you forget that it will cost a dollar, or perhaps
two."

"No, I don't, Mary; but I'm having a vacation, and I want to enjoy
myself a little before pitching into hard work again. I am sure you will
be the better for a ride."

"Yes, I shall. I haven't had one for months, and it will be a real
treat."

"Then we will cast prudence to the winds for once, and have a good time.
I suppose you can drive, Bert."

"Oh yes, sir; I like it. I worked for a few weeks in the grocery store,
and drove every day. I like a horse."

"So do I; but I don't care much about handling the reins myself. You'll
promise not to upset the carriage, as Percy did the other day?"

"Not unless we meet two tramps, as he did," said Bert, laughing.

"I declare, Mary, there is your boy calling his old uncle a tramp."

"And myself, too, uncle."

"That makes it seem a little better. Are you going back to the shop?"

"Yes, uncle; my time is up."

"I'll walk along with you."

As the two walked together, Uncle Jacob took a five dollar bill from his
pocket, and handed it to Bert.

"There, Bert," he said, "I want you to give that to your mother toward
buying groceries and meat this week, as her expenses will be increased
by my being in the house."

"But, Uncle Jacob, we don't want you to pay board."

"I am able to do it, and prefer it, Bert. So say no more about it."

In truth, this donation was a relief to Bert and his mother, for they
were compelled to economize closely, and yet wanted to live well while
Uncle Jacob was visiting them.

About seven o'clock Bert drove round to the house in a handsome top
buggy, drawn by a spirited black horse, the best in Houghton's stable.

"I'll let you have it, Bert," said Mr. Houghton, "because I know you're
a careful driver. There are few persons I would trust with Prince."

"You may depend on me, Mr. Houghton."

"I know I can, Bert;" and with a few directions the stable keeper