Uncle Jacob."

"True, but you are only fifteen."

"Almost sixteen."

"I forgot that," said Uncle Jacob, smiling. "Well, even at sixteen, a
boy can hardly expect to earn as much as twelve dollars a week. By the
way, how much does Albert pay you?"

"Four dollars a week."

"Is that about the usual price for boys employed as you are?"

"Most shoe bosses pay more. The squire pays low wages all round."

"Then why don't the men go elsewhere?"

"Because they live here, and it is better to work cheaper here than to
move. Some have gone away."

"Well, keep up your courage, Bert, and the time will come when you will
be earning twelve dollars a week like your rich old uncle. If the office
were only in Lakeville, so that I could board with your mother----"

"I wish it was, Uncle Jacob."

"Well, Mary, I shan't have to open a cigar store in Lakeville," remarked
Uncle Jacob, as his niece entered the room.

Mrs. Barton looked an inquiry, and Bert exclaimed: "Uncle Jacob has
secured a clerkship in New York at twelve dollars a week."

"I am _really_ glad!" said Mrs. Barton, with beaming face.

"Come, Mary, did you too think, like Bert here, that I was headed for
the poorhouse?"

"I felt a little anxious for you, Uncle Jacob, I admit."

"You see that your fears were idle."

"Will you have to work very hard?" asked Mrs. Barton.

"No; my employer is an intimate friend."

"When do you commence work?"

"Next Monday, so that I must leave you on Saturday."

"Bert and I will both miss you; but as it is for your good, we won't
complain. Now, Uncle Jacob, I hope you won't take it amiss if I urge you
not to be too free with your money, but to try to save up some of your
salary so that you can add to your little fund."

"Thank you, Mary. I suppose you are afraid I will be driving fast horses
in Central Park, eh?"

"I am more afraid you will be too generous with your money, and give
away more than you can afford."

"Well thought of, Mary! So far from that, I am going to turn miser and
hoard up every cent I can."

"I don't think there is much danger of that."

"Oh, you have no idea how mean I can be if I try. However, as I shall be
acting according to your advice, you can't find fault with me."

"I see you don't mean to follow my advice, Uncle Jacob."

"Still I am glad you gave it. It shows that you feel a real interest in
your shabby old uncle. Some time--I can't promise how soon--I shall
invite you and Bert to com