e and spend the day in New York. I will get a
day off from the office, and we'll have a nice excursion somewhere."

On Friday, Uncle Jacob called on Squire Marlowe; not at the house,
however, but at the factory.

"I've come to bid you good-by, Albert," he said.

"Are you going back to California?" asked the Squire.

"No, I am going to New York."

"It is expensive living in New York."

"I have obtained a situation there."

"Ah, indeed! That is different. What sort of a position?"

"I shall be a clerk in a mining office."

"What pay will you get?"

"Twelve dollars a week."

"Very fair! I congratulate you. You ought to live on that and save money
besides."

"That's what Mary Barton says."

"Then she gives you very sensible advice. It will be a great deal better
than opening a cigar store in Lakeville."

"I wouldn't do that after what you said on the subject," returned Uncle
Jacob in a deferential tone, though there was a twinkle in his eye.

"I am glad you recognize the fact that I counseled you for your good,"
said the Squire pompously. "As an experienced business man, my judgment
is worth something, I apprehend."

"Quite so, Albert; quite so! Is your wife feeling better?"

(Uncle Jacob had seen Mrs. Marlowe riding out the day before, apparently
in full health.)

"She is somewhat improved, but still delicate," said Squire Marlowe
guardedly. "I am sorry I cannot invite you to dine with us again before
you go to the city."

"I should hardly be able to do so, as I go away to-morrow."

"Just so! I will say good-by for you, and that will do just as well."

"That's a load off my mind!" soliloquized the squire, after Uncle Jacob
had left him. "I was afraid the old man would squander all his money,
and then come upon me for that old loan. I hope he'll keep away from
Lakeville in the future."

The next day Uncle Jacob left town. As he quitted the house, he put a
sealed envelope into Mary Barton's hand.

"If you are ever in trouble, and cannot communicate with me," he said,
"open this envelope. Take good care of it!"

"I will, Uncle Jacob. I will put it away in my trunk."

"Well, good-by, Mary, and God bless you!"

A minute later and Uncle Jacob was gone. Mrs. Barton went back to
covering balls and Bert to his place in the shoe shop. Their united
earnings enabled them to live comfortably, and they were content, though
they had nothing to spare. But trouble was close at hand, though they
did not sus