``I’llgiveyouthreedollarsaweekandboard，’’saidMr。Leavitt，afteralittleconsideration——``thatis，ifIamsatisfiedwithyou。’’
　　``I’llcome，’’saidHarry，promptly。Herapidlycalculatedthattherewouldbeabouttwentyweeksforwhichhewouldreceivepaybeforethesixmonthsexpired。Thiswouldgivehimsixtydollars，ofwhichhethoughtheshouldbeabletosavefortytosendorcarrytohisfather。
　　``Howdidyouhappentocometome？’’askedMr。Leavitt，withsomecuriosity。
　　``I
　　heardatthepostofficethatyoursonwasgoingtothecitytowork，andI
　　thoughtIcouldgetinhere。’’
　　``Well，wewilltryyouatshoemaking。Robert，youcanteachhimwhatyouknowaboutpegging。’’
　　``Comehere，’’saidRobert。``Whatisyourname？’’
　　``HarryWalton。’’
　　``Howoldareyou？’’
　　``Fifteen。’’
　　``Didyoueverworkmuch？’’
　　``Yes，onafarm。’’
　　``Doyouthinkyou’lllikeshoemakingbetter？’’
　　``I
　　don’tknowyet，butIthinkIshall。Ilikealmostanythingbetterthanfarming。’’
　　``Robert，’’saidhisfather，``goinandtellmothertoputanextraseatatthetable。Shedoesn’tknowthatwe’vegotanewboarder。’’
　　Robertwentinandinformedhismotherofthenewboarder。Itmadenodifference，forthetablewasalwayswellsupplied。
　　``ThisisHarryWalton，mother，’’saidMr。Leavitt，``ournewapprentice。HewilltakeBob’splacewhenhegoes。’’
　　``Iamgladtoseeyou，’’saidMrs。Leavitt，hospitably。``Youmaysithere，nexttoRobert。’’
　　Accustomedtothepainfulfrugalityofthetableathome，heregardedthisasasplendiddinner，anddidfulljusticetoit。
　　IntheafternoonheresumedworkintheshopunderRobert’sguidance。Hewasinexcellentspirits。Hefeltthathewasveryfortunatetohavegainedaplacesosoon，anddeterminedtowritehomethatsameevening。Chapter11CHAPTERXI。
　　ANINVITATIONDECLINED。
　　ThesummerpassedquicklyandthetimearrivedforRobertLeavitttogotothecity。BythistimeHarrywaswellqualifiedtotakehisplace。Harryprovedtobequicker，ifanything，thanRobert，thoughthelatterhadbeenaccustomedtotheworkforseveralyears。
　　Mr。Leavittwaswellsatisfiedwithhisnewapprentice。
　　``Good—by，Harry，’’saidRobert，ashesawthecoachcominguptheroadtotakehimtotherailroadstation。
　　``Good—by，andgoodluck!’’saidHarry。
　　OnSaturdayevening，afterhehadreceivedhisweek’spay，LukeHarrison，whoworkedinashopnearby，methimatthepostoffice。
　　``Comealong，Harry，’’hesaid。``Letusplayagameofbilliards。’’
　　``Youmustexcuseme，’’saidHarry。
　　``Oh，comealong，’’saidLuke，takinghimbythearm；``it’sonlytwenty—fivecents。’’
　　``I
　　can’taffordit。’’
　　``What’stheuseofbeingstingy，Harry？Tryonegame。’’
　　``Youcangetsomebodyelsetoplaywithyou，Luke。’’
　　``Oh，hangit，ifyoucaresomuchforaquarter，I’llpayforthegamemyself。Onlycomeandplay。’’
　　Harryshookhishead。
　　``I
　　don’twanttoamusemyselfatyourexpense。’’
　　``Youareamiser，’’saidLuke，angrily。
　　``I
　　toldyouoncethatIhadanotheruseforthemoney。’’
　　Heknewhewasright，butitwasdisagreeabletobecalledamiser。HewastooproudtojustifyhimselftoLuke，whospentallhismoneyfoolishly，thoughearningconsiderablylargerwagesthanhe。
　　Thedayprevioushehadheard，forthefirsttime，thattherewasapubliclibraryinanotherpartofthetown，whichwasopenevenings。Thoughitwastwomilesdistant，andhehadbeenatworkallday，hedeterminedtowalkupthereandgetabook。Hefeltthathewasveryignorant，andthathisadvanceintheworlddependeduponhisimprovingallopportunitiesthatmightpresentthemselvesforextendinghislimitedknowledge。Thiswasevidentlyone。
　　AfterhisunsatisfactoryinterviewwithLuke，hesetoutfortheuppervillage，asitwascalled。Fortyminutes’walkbroughthimtothebuildinginwhichthelibrarywaskept。Anelderlymanhadchargeofit——aMr。Parmenter。
　　``CanI
　　takeoutabook？’’askedHarry。
　　``Doyouliveintown？’’
　　``Yes，sir。’’
　　``Whatisyourname？’’
　　``HarryWalton。’’
　　``I
　　don’trememberanyWaltonfamily。’’
　　``MyfatherlivesinGranton。IamworkingforMr。JamesLeavitt。’’
　　``I
　　havenodoubtthisisquitecorrect，butIshallhavetohaveMr。Leavitt’scertificatetothateffectbeforeIcanputyournamedown，andtrustyouwithbooks。’’
　　Soitseemedhistwo—milewalkwasfornothing。HemustretracehisstepsandcomeagainMondaynight。
　　HewasturningawaydisappointedwhenDr。Townley，ofthelowervillage，wholivednearMr。Leavitt，enteredthelibrary。
　　``Mywifewantsabookinexchangeforthis，Mr。Parmenter，’’hesaid。``Haveyougotanythingnewin？Ah，HarryWalton，howcameyouhere？Doyoutakebooksoutofthelibrary？’’
　　``ThatiswhatIcameupfor，butthelibrariansaysImustbringalinefromMr。
　　Leavitt，tellingwhoIam。’’
　　``IfDr。Townleyknowsyou，thatissufficient，’’saidthelibrarian。
　　``Heisallright，Mr。Parmenter。Heisayoungneighborofmine。’’
　　``Thatisenough。Hecanselectabook。’’
　　Harry，afteralittlereflection，selectedthefirstvolumeof``Rollin’sUniversalHistory。’’
　　``That’sagood，solidbook，Harry，’’saidthedoctor。``Mostofouryoungpeopleselectstories。’’
　　``I
　　likestoriesverymuch，’’saidHarry；``butIhaveonlyalittletimetoread，andImusttrytolearnsomething。’’
　　``Youareasensibleboy，’’saidthedoctor，emphatically。``Mostcareonlyforpresentenjoyment。’’
　　``I
　　havegotmyownwaytomake，’’saidHarry，``andIsupposethatiswhatinfluencesme。Myfathercannothelpme，andIwanttoriseintheworld。’’
　　``Youaregoingtherightwaytowork。Doyouintendtotakeoutbooksoftenfromthelibrary？’’
　　``Yes，sir。’’
　　``Itwillbealongwalkfromthelowervillage。’’
　　``I
　　wouldwalkfartherratherthandowithoutthebooks，’’
　　``Icansaveyouatanyratefromwalkingback。Mychaiseisoutside，and，ifyouwilljumpin，Iwillcarryyouhome。’’
　　``Thankyou，doctor。Ishallbeverygladtoride。’’
　　Ontheway，Dr。Townleysaid：``IhaveafewmiscellaneousbookswhichIwilllendtoyou，ifyouwillcomein。’’
　　Harrythankedhim，andnotlongafterwardavailedhimselfofthisconsiderateproposal。
　　OnceaweekregularlyHarrywrotehome。Heknewthathisletterswouldgivepleasuretothefamily，andheneverallowedanythingtointerferewithhisduty。
　　Hisfatherwrote：``Wearegettingonaboutasusual。Thecowdoestolerablywell，butisnotasgoodastheoneIlost。Ihavenotyetsucceededinlayingupanythingtowardpayingforher。’’
　　Harrywroteinreply：``Don’ttroubleyourself，father，aboutyourdebttoSquireGreen。IfIhavesteadywork，andkeepmyhealth，Ishallhaveenoughtopayitbythetimeitcomesdue。’’Chapter12CHAPTERXII。
　　THETAILOR’SCUSTOMER。
　　AttheendofsixweeksfromthedateofRobert’sdeparture，Harryhadbeenpaideighteendollars。Ofthissumhehadspentbutonedollar，andkeptthebalanceinhispocketbook。HedidnotcaretosendithomeuntilhohadenoughtomeetSquireGreen’sdemand，knowingthathisfatherwouldbeabletomeethisordinaryexpenses。
　　``Seehowthefellowdresses，’’saidLukeHarrisontotwoofhiscompanions。``Hisclothesareshabbyenough，andhehasn’tgotanovercoatatall。Hehoardshismoney，andistoostingytobuyone。’’
　　``You’drathergettrustedforyourclothesthandowithoutthem，’’saidFrankHeath，slyly。
　　``WhatifIdo，’’saidLukesharply，``aslongasIamgoingtopayforthem？’’
　　``Oh，nothing，’’saidFrank。
　　BythistimeHarryhadcomeup。
　　``Whereareyougoing，Walton？’’askedLuke。
　　``Leftyourovercoatathome，didn’tyou？’’
　　Harrycolored。
　　``Ididnotleaveitathome，forIhavenonetoleave。’’
　　Thetailor，Merrillbyname，hadashopoverthedrygoodsstore，andthitherHarrydirectedhissteps。Therewasoneotherpersonintheshop，ayoungfellowbutlittlelargerthanHarry，thoughtwoyearsolder，whowasonavisittoanauntintheneighborhood，butlivedinBoston。HisnamewasMauriceTudor。Hehadgoneintotheshoptoleaveacoattoberepaired。
　　``Howareyou，Walton？’’hesaid。
　　``Prettywell，thankyou。’’
　　``It’sprettycoldforOctober。’’
　　``Yes，unusuallyso。’’
　　``Mr。
　　Merrill，’’saidHarry，``Ishouldliketoinquirethepriceofanovercoat。’’
　　``ThisisthecheapestgoodsIhave，’’saidthetailor，pointingtosomecoarseclothnearby。``Icanmakeyouupacoatfromthatforeighteendollars。’’
　　``Eighteendollars!’’exclaimedHarry。``Isthatthecheapestyouhave？’’
　　``Theverycheapest。Imighttakeoffadollarforcash。I’vegotenoughofrunningupbills。There’sLukeHarrisonowesmeoverthirtydollars，andIdon’tbelievehemeanstopayitatall。’’
　　``IfI
　　buy，Ishallpaycash，’’saidHarry，quietly。
　　MauriceTudorwasasilentlistenertothisdialogue。HelingeredafterHarrywentout，andsaid：
　　``That’sagoodfellow。’’
　　``HarryWalton？’’repeatedthetailor。``Yes，he’sworthadozenlikeLukeHarrison。’’
　　``Heisratherpoor，Isuppose。’’
　　``Yes。
　　Theboyscallhimmean；butLeavitttellsmeheissavingupeverycenttosendtohisfather，whoisapoorfarmer。’’
　　``That’sagoodthinginhim。’’
　　``Yes，IwishIcouldaffordtogivehimanovercoat。Heneedsone，butIsupposeseventeendollarswillcomeratherhardonhimtopay。IfyoungWaltonwantstogetanovercoatoncredit，Ishan’tobject。Ijudgesomethingbylooks，andI
　　amsureheishonest。’’
　　``Well，good—night，Mr。Merrill。You’llhavemycoatdonesoon？’’
　　``Yes，Mr。Tudor。Itshallbereadyforyoutomorrow。’’
　　MauriceTudorleftthetailor’sshop，revolvinganewideawhichhadjustenteredhismind。Nowherememberedthathehadathishomeinthecityanexcellentovercoatwhichhehadwornthepreviouswinter，butwhichwasnowtoosmallforhim。AswellashecouldjudgebyobservingHarry’sfigure，itwouldbeanexcellentfitforhim。Whyshouldhenotgiveittohim？
　　Onhiswayhomeheovertookourhero，walkingslowly，plungedinthought。Infact，hewasstilloccupiedwiththeproblemoftheneededovercoat。
　　``Good—evening，Harry，’’saidyoungTudor。
　　``Good—evening，Mr。Tudor，’’answeredHarry；``areyougoingbacktothecitysoon？’’
　　``Inthecourseofaweekortwo。Mr。Leavitt’ssonisinastoreinBoston，ishenot？’’
　　``Yes。
　　Ihavetakenhisplaceintheshop。’’
　　``SoI
　　hear。Howdoyoulikeyournewbusiness？’’
　　``Verywell。IthinkIshouldlikebettertobeinaprintingoffice，butIamgladtogetachanceinashoeshop。’’
　　``IsawyouatMerrill’sthisevening。’’
　　``Yes；
　　Iwaspricinganovercoat。’’
　　``I
　　boughtthisoneinBostonjustbeforeIcameaway。Ihaveaverygoodoneleftfromlastwinter，butitistoosmallforme。Itisofnousetome。IfI
　　thoughtyouwouldacceptit，Iwouldofferittoyou。’’
　　Harry’sheartgaveajoyfulbound。Herewashisgreatneedsupplied，andwithoutexpense。
　　``Acceptit!’’herepeated。``IndeedIwill，andthankyouforyourgreatkindness。’’
　　``ThenIwillwritehomeatoncetohaveitsenttome。IalsohaveasuitwhichI
　　haveoutgrown；ifyouwouldn’tbetooproudtotakeit。’’
　　``Iamnotsofoolish，’’saidHarry。``Itwillbeagreatfavortome。’’
　　``I
　　thoughtyouwouldtakeitright，’’saidMaurice。``Iwillalsosendforthesuit。’’
　　Threedayslateralargebundle，wrappedinbrownpaper，wasbroughtbythevillageexpressmantoMr。Leavitt’sdoor。
　　``A
　　bundleforyou，Walton，’’saidtheexpressman，seeingHarryintheyard。
　　Harryranforwardandreceivedit。
　　``Whatistheretopay？’’heasked。
　　``Nothing，’’wastheanswer。``Itwasprepaidinthecity。’’
　　Harrytookituptohisroom，andopenediteagerly。Firstcamethepromisedovercoat。ItwasofveryhandsomeFrenchcloth，withavelvetcollar，andrichsilkfacings，farhigherincostthananyMr。Merrillwouldhavemadeforhim。
　　Woulditfit？Thatwasaquestionhetestedimmediatelybytryingiton。Itfittedasifithadbeenmadeforhim。Nextcame，notone，buttwocompletesuits。
　　AftersupperHarry，arrayedinhisbestsuit，andwearingtheovercoat，walkeddowntothecenterofthevillage。Chapter13CHAPTERXIII。
　　THENIGHTSCHOLARS。
　　ImmediatelyafterThanksgivingDay，thewinterschoolscommenced。ThatinthecenterdistrictwaskeptbyastudentofDartmouthCollege，whohadleaveofabsencefromthecollegeauthoritiesfortwelveweeks，inorderbyteachingtoearnsomethingtohelpdefrayhiscollegeexpenses。LeonardMorgan，nowajunior，wasatall，stronglymadeyoungmanoftwenty—two，whosestalwartframehadnotbeenreducedbyhisdiligentstudy。
　　Hehadscarcelycommencedhisschoolwhenahappyideastruckhim。Therewereseveralshoe—shopsinthevillage，eachemployingfromonetothreeboys，varyinginagefromfifteentonineteen。Whycouldhenotformaprivateclass，tomeetintheevenings，sayforanhourandahalfortwohours，tobeinstructedinadvancedarithmetic，or，ifdesired，inLatinandGreek。HebroachedtheideatoStephenBates，theprudentialcommitteeman。
　　``I
　　don’tknow，’’saidMr。Bates，``whatourboyswillthinkofit。I’vegotaboythatI’llsend，butwhetheryou’llgetenoughtomakeitpayIdon’tknow。’’
　　``I
　　supposeIcanhavetheschoolhouse，Mr。Bates？’’
　　``Yes，therewon’tbenoobjectiontothat。’’
　　``I’llbeginifIcangeteightnames，’’saidtheyoungman。
　　``Thenyou’dbetterdrawupanoticeandputitupinthestoreandthetavern，’’
　　suggestedthecommitteeman。
　　Inaccordancewiththisadvice，theyoungteacherpostedupinthetwoplacesthefollowingnotice：``EVENINGSCHOOL。
　　``I
　　proposetostartaneveningschoolforthosewhoareoccupiedduringtheday，andunabletoattendthedistrictschool。InstructionwillbegiveninsuchEnglishbranchesasmaybedesired，andalsoinLatinandGreek，ifanyaredesirousofpursuingaclassicalcourse。TheschoolwillcommencenextMondayeveningattheschoolhouse，beginningatseveno’clock。Terms：Seventycentsaweek，orfivedollarsforthetermoftenweeks。``LEONARDMORGAN。’’
　　AmongthosewhoreadthisnoticewithinterestwasHarryWalton。Hehadnotforgottenhismotto，``Liveandlearn，’’andhereseemedtobeagoodopportunityofputtingitintopractice。
　　``Areyougoingtojointheclass，Walton？’’askedFrankHeath。
　　``Yes，’’saidHarry，promptly。
　　``Where’llyougetthemoney？’’askedLukeHarrison，inajeeringtone。
　　``I
　　shan’thavetogofarforit。Idon’tknowenoughyet，andneverexpectto，’’
　　saidHarry。
　　``Doyoumeantogotoschoolwhenyou’reagray—headedoldveteran？’’askedFrank，jocosely。
　　``Imaynotgotoschoolthen，butIshan’tgiveuplearningthen，’’saidHarry，smiling。``Onecanlearnwithoutgoingtoschool。ButwhileI’myoung，ImeantogotoschoolasmuchasIcan。’’
　　WhenMondayeveningarrivedtenpupilspresentedthemselves，ofwhomsixwereboys，oryoungmen，andfourweregirls。LeonardMorganfeltencouraged。Aclassoften，thoughpayingbutfivedollarseach，wouldgivehimfiftydollars，which，addedtothepayhereceivedforhisservicesduringtheday，wouldbequiteanacceptableadditiontohisscantymeans。
　　``Iamgladtoseesomany，’’hesaid。``Ithinkoureveningclasswillbeasuccess。
　　Iwillgoamongyou，takeyournames，andascertainwhatstudiesyouwishtopursue。’’
　　WhenhecametoHarryheasked，``Whatdoyouproposetostudy？’’
　　``I
　　shouldliketotakeupalgebraandLatin，ifyouarewilling，’’answeredourhero。
　　``Haveyoustudiedeitheratall？’’inquiredtheyoungteacher。
　　``No，sir；Ihavenothadanopportunity。’’
　　``Howfarhaveyoubeeninarithmetic？’’
　　``Throughthesquareandcuberoot。’’
　　``Doyouthinkyouunderstandthose？’’
　　``I
　　believeso。IfyouwillgivemeanexampleIwilltry。’’
　　``Ifyouhavebeensofar，youwillhavenodifficultywithalgebra。AstoLatin，oneofthegirlswishestotakeupthat，andIwillputyouintheclasswithher。Haveyouanybook？’’
　　``No，sir。WherecanIgetone？’’
　　``I
　　willsendforoneforyou，andalsoanalgebra。’’
　　``Thankyou。’’
　　A
　　littlelater，LeonardMorgancameroundtothedeskatwhichHarrywassitting。
　　``I
　　broughtaLatingrammarwithme，’’hesaid，``thinkingitprobablesomeonemightliketobeginthatlanguage。Youcanuseituntilyourscomes。’’
　　``Thankyou，’’saidHarry；andheeagerlytookthebook，andaskedtohavealessonset，whichwasdone。
　　``Icangetmorethanthat，’’hesaid。
　　``Howmuchmore？’’
　　``Twiceasmuch。’’
　　``Ifthatisthecase，Iwillletyoubeinaclassbyyourself。’’
　　``Thankyou，’’saidHarry。``Ishouldlikecompany；butIwanttogetonfast。’’
　　Stilllaterherecitedthedoublelesson，andsocorrectlythattheteacher’sattentionwasdrawntohim。
　　``That’sasmartboy，’’hesaidtohimself。``Imeantotakepainswithhim。
　　Whatapityhecan’tgotocollege!’’Chapter14CHAPTERXIV。
　　LOST，ORSTOLEN。
　　Harrylearnedrapidly。AttheendoffourweekshehadcompletedtheLatingrammar，orthatpartofitwhichhisteacherthoughtnecessaryforabeginnertobefamiliarwith，andcommencedtranslatingtheeasysentencesin``Andrew’sLatinReader。’’Hedidn’tconfinehisstudyingtothetwohoursthathepassedinschool，butdevotedhisspareminutesduringthedaytopreparinghimselfforrecitation。
　　``Youaregettingonfamously，Harry，’’saidhisteacher。``Ineverhadascholarwhoadvancedsorapidlybefore。’’
　　Harrybrightenedup。
　　``ItisbecauseIlikeit，’’hesaid。
　　Theyoungmansmiled。
　　``I
　　shouldliketobeaneditor，’’saidHarry；``butIdon’tseemuchprospectofit。’’
　　``Whynot？’’
　　``Aneditormustknowagooddeal。’’
　　``Therearesomewhodon’t，’’saidLeonardMorgan，withasmile。``However，youwouldliketodocredittotheprofession，anditiscertainlyinthesemoderndaysaveryimportantprofession。Thereisnothingtopreventyourbecominganeditorsomeday，ifyoustronglydesireit。Thesooneryoubegintoprepareyourselfforitthebetter。’’
　　``HowcanIpreparemyself？’’
　　``Tobeginwith，bydoingyourbesttoacquireagoodeducation；notonlybystudyinglessons，butbyreadingasextensivelyasyouareable。Aneditorshouldbeamanoflargeinformation。Haveyoueverpracticedwritingcompositions？’’
　　``A
　　little；notmuch。’’
　　``Ifyougettimetowriteanything，andwillsubmitittome，IwillpointoutsuchfaultsasImaynotice。’’
　　``SupposeItakemymotto。’’
　　``Whatisthat？’’
　　``
　　`Liveandlearn。’’’
　　``Doso，byallmeans。Thatisasubjectuponwhichyoumaybefairlysaidtohavesomeideasofyourown。’’
　　InduetimeHarrypresentedacompositiononthissubject。Idonotproposetoplaceitonrecordhere。Hesentacopyhome，andreceivedinreplyaletterfromhisfather，expressingsurpriseandgratificationattheexcellenceofhisessay。
　　Butwhileintentuponcultivatinghismind，Harryhadnotlostsightofthegreatobjectwhichhadsenthimfromhometoseekemploymentamongstrangers。HehadundertakentomeetthenotewhichhisfatherhadgivenSquireGreeninpaymentforthecow，andhefeltconfidentthathecoulddoit，ifhishealthandbusinesscontinuedgood。BythefirstofDecemberhehadsavedupthirty—threedollarstowardthisobject。BythemiddleofJanuarythenotewouldcomedue。
　　Sohehadeveryreasontobelievethathecouldcarryouthisscheme。
　　HewaswaiteduponbyLukeHarrisononthefirstdayofDecember，andaskedtojoininagrandsleighingexcursiontoatowntenmilesdistant。
　　``It’snousetalking，Luke；Ican’tgo。’’
　　Thisconversationtookplaceastheywerewalkinghomefromthestoreintheevening。Harrypulledouthishandkerchiefsuddenlyfromhispocket，andwithitcamehispocketbook，containingallhissavings。Hedidn’thearitfall；butLukedid，andthelater，moreover，suspectedwhatitwas。HedidnotcallHarry’sattentiontoit，but，fallingback，said：``I’vegottogobacktothestore。Iforgotsomething。Good—night。’’
　　``Good—night!’’saidHarry，unsuspiciously。
　　Lukestoopedswiftlywhileourhero’sbackwasturned，andpickedupthepocketbook。Heslippeditintohisownpocket，and，insteadofgoingbacktothestore，wenttohisownroom，lockedthedoor，andtheneagerlypulledoutthepocketbookandcountedthecontents。
　　``Thirty—threedollars!’’hesaidtohimself，inexultation。``Whatamiserthatfellowis!Itserveshimrighttolosehismoney。’’Chapter15CHAPTERXV。
　　ANUNWELCOMEVISITOR。
　　``WhatIfindismine，’’hesaidtohimself。``Ofcourseitis。HarryWaltondeservestolosehismoney。’’
　　Howshouldhedisposeofit？
　　IthasalreadybeensaidthatLukewasfondofnewclothes。Hewantedtore—establishhiscreditwithMerrill，forhewasinwantofanewcoat，andknewthatitwouldbeuselesstoorderoneunlesshehadsomemoneytopayonaccount。HedecidedtouseapartofHarrys’moneyforthispurpose。Hethereforeputthepocketbookintohistrunk，andcarefullylockedit。Thenhewenttobed。
　　Meanwhile，HarryreachedMr。Leavitt’s，unconsciousoftheseriousmisfortunewhichhadbefallenhim，andatteno’clocktookhislampandwentuptobed。
　　Whilehewasundressinghefeltinhispocketforhismoney，intendingtolockitupinhistrunkasusual。Hisdismaymaybeconceivedwhenhecouldnotfindit。
　　PoorHarrysankintoachairwiththatsuddensinkingoftheheartwhichunlooked—formisfortunebrings，andtriedtothinkwherehecouldhaveleftthepocketbook，orhowhecouldhavelostit。Hedidnotgenerallycarryitroundwithhim，butthateveninghefoundhimselfunderthenecessityofbuyinganecktieatthestore，andsohadtakenitfromhistrunk。Couldhehaveleftitonthecounter？No；hedistinctlyrememberedreplacingitinhispocket。Whatcouldhavebecomeofit？Hefelttheneedofconsultingwithsomebody，andwithhislampinhishandwentdownstairsagain。
　　``Areyousick，Harry？’’askedMrs。Leavitt。
　　``You’relookingdreadfullypale。’’
　　``I’velostmypocketbook，’’saidHarry。``Thatis，Ican’tfindit。’’
　　``Howmuchwasthereinit？’’askedhisemployer。
　　``Thirty—threedollars，’’answeredHarry。``ItwasallthemoneyIhad。’’
　　``Whew!
　　that’sagooddealofmoneytolose。Ishouldn’twanttolosesomuchmyself。
　　Whendidyouhaveitlast？’’
　　Harrytoldhisstory，Mr。Leavittlisteningattentively。
　　``Youaresureyoudidn’tleaveitatthestore，onthecounter？Ileftmywalletthereonenight。’’
　　``IamcertainIputitinmypocket。’’
　　``Andyoucamerighthome？’’
　　``Yes。’’
　　``Alone？’’
　　``No；
　　LukeHarrisoncamewithme。’’
　　``Whatwashetalkingabout？’’
　　``Hewantedmetojoininasleighingpartyofyoungfolks。’’
　　``Whatdidyousay？’’
　　``I
　　saidIcouldn’taffordit。Thenhechargedmewithbeingamiser，asheoftendoes。HeleftmeatDeaconBrewster’s。Hesaidhemustgobacktothestorethathehadforgottensomething。’’
　　``There’ssomethingqueeraboutthis，’’saidMr。Leavitt，shrewdly。``Doyouwantmyadvice？’’
　　``Yes；
　　Iwishyouwouldadviseme，forIdon’tknowwhattodo。’’
　　``Thengotothestoreatonce。Ask，butwithoutattractinganyattention，ifLukecamebackthereafterleavingyou。IfyoufindthatLuke’sexcusewasfalse，andthathedidnotgoback，goatoncetohisboardingplace，andaskhimwhetherhesawyoudropthepocketbook。Youmighthavedroppedit，andhepickeditup。Thatwillgivehimachancetorestoreit。’’
　　``Supposehesaysno？’’
　　``Thenwemustwatchwhetherheseemsflushofmoneyforthenextfewdays。Buttherewillbetimeforthatto—morrow。’’
　　ThisseemedtoHarrygoodadvice。Heputonhishatandcoat，andretracedhisstepstothestore，carefullylookingalongtheroadtoseeifhecoulddescryanythingofthelostpocketbook。
　　``I
　　thoughtyouwenthome，Harry，’’saidFrankHeath。
　　``YouseeIamhereagain，’’saidourhero，evadingareply。``Isitlate？’’
　　FrankHeathtookouthiswatch，forwhichhehadrecentlytraded，andannouncedthatitwasteno’clock。
　　``Timetoshutupshop，’’saidMr。Meade，thestorekeeper。``Youboyswillhavetoadjourntilltomorrow。’’
　　``Where’sLukeHarrison？’’askedFrankHeath。
　　``Didn’thegooutwithyou？’’
　　``Yes；
　　butheleftmesometimeago。Hecamebackhere，didn’the？’’
　　``No；
　　hehasn’tbeenheresince。’’
　　``Hespokeofcoming，’’saidHarry。``Hewantedmetojointhatsleighingparty。’’
　　``Areyougoingto？’’
　　``I
　　can’taffordit，Frank。’’
　　``I
　　supposeIoughtnottospendthemoney，’’saidFrankHeath；``butI’malwaysinforagoodtime。IguessI’llhavetogo。’’
　　``Good—night，boys，’’saidthestorekeeper，significantly。
　　Theytookthehintandwentout。Theirwaylayindifferentdirections，andtheypartedcompany。
　　LukeHarrisonboardedwithaMr。Glenham，acarpenter，anditwasathisdoorthatHarryknocked。
　　``IsLukeHarrisonathome？’’heinquiredofMrs。Glenham，whoopenedthedoor。
　　``Athomeandabed，Ireckon，’’shereplied，lookingsurprisedathislatecall。
　　``I
　　wouldliketoseehim，’’saidHarry。
　　``Can’tyouwaittillto—morrowmorning？Iwasjustgoingtolockupforthenight。’’
　　``I
　　knowit’slate，Mrs。Glenham，butitisaboutamatterofimportancethatI
　　wishtoseeLuke。Iwon’tstaybutaminute。’’
　　``Well，Isupposeyoucangoup。Hisroomisattheheadofthestairs。’’
　　Harrywentupstairsandknocked。Ordinarily，Lukewouldhavebeenasleep，forgenerallyhesanktosleepfiveminutesafterhisheadtouchedthepillow；butto—nighttheexcitementofhisdishonestintentionkepthimawake，andhestarteduneasilywhenheheardtheknockatthedoor。
　　``Who’sthere？’’hecalledoutfromhisbed。
　　``It’sI——HarryWalton。’’
　　``I’minbed，’’heanswered。
　　``I
　　wanttoseeyouaminute，onamatterifimportance，’’saidHarry。
　　``Cometo—morrowmorning。’’
　　``I
　　mustseeyounow。’’
　　``Oh，well，comein，ifyoumust，’’saidLuke，gettingoutofbedreluctantly，andadmittinghisunwelcomevisitor。Chapter16CHAPTERXVI。
　　ADENIAL。
　　``Youseemtobeinanawfulhurrytoseeme，’’saidLuke，grumbling。``Iwasjustgettingtosleep。’’
　　``I’velostmypocketbook，’’saidHarry。``Haveyouseenit？’’
　　``Doyoumeantochargemewithtakingit？’’demandedLuke。
　　``I
　　haven’tsaidanythingofthesort，’’saidHarry；``butyouwerewithme，andI
　　thoughtyoumighthaveseenitdropoutofmypocket。’’
　　``OfcourseIhaven’tseenit。Wasthatallyouwokemeupabout？’’
　　``Isthatall？Youtalkasifitwasalittlethinglosingthirty—threedollars。’’
　　``Thirty—threedollars!’’repeatedLuke，pretendingtobesurprised。
　　``You’dbetterlookintheroad，oryoumighthaveleftitinthestore。’’
　　``No，I
　　didn’t。Iboughtsomethingthere，butIrememberdistinctlyputtingbackmypocketbookbeforeIwentout。’’
　　``Well，’’saidLuke，yawning，``IwishIcouldhelpyou；butIcan’t。
　　Good—night。’’
　　``Whatsuccess，Harry？’’inquiredMr。Leavitt，whohaddeferredgoingtobedinordertohearhisreport。
　　``Noneatall，’’answeredHarry，andrelatedhisinterviewwithLuke。
　　``Isthereanythingbywhichyoucanidentifyanyofthebills？’’
　　``Yes，’’answeredHarry，withsuddenrecollection，``I
　　droppedapenfulofinkononeofthebills——atwo—dollarnote——justinthecenter。Ihadbeenwritingaletter，andthebilllayonthetablenearby。’’
　　``Good!’’saidMr。Leavitt。``Now，supposingLukehastakenthismoney，howishelikelytospendit？’’
　　``Atthetailor’s，mostlikely。Heisalwaystalkingaboutnewclothes；butlatelyhehasn’thadanybecauseMerrillshutdownonhimonaccountofanunpaidbill。’’
　　``ThenyouhadbetterseeMerrillprivately，andaskhimtotakeparticularnoticeofanybillsthatLukepayshim。’’
　　``IfLukeisinnocent，Ishallfeelashamedofhavingsuspectedhim。’’
　　``Innocencemustoftenbesuspected，orguiltwouldneverbedetected。Itistheonlywaytogetonthetrackofthemissingbills。’’
　　Harrysawthatthiswasreasonable，anddecidedtocallonMerrillthenextday。Inafewwordshecommunicatedhisloss，andthefactthattheonlypersonwithhimatthetimewasLukeHarrison。
　　``I
　　haven’tmuchopinionofLuke。Heowesmeaconsiderablebill。’’
　　``HeprefersyourclothestoHayden’s，andifhehasthemoney，hewillprobablycomehereandspendsomeofit。’’
　　``Supposehedoes，whatdoyouwantmetodo？’’
　　``Toexaminethebillshepaysyou，andifyoufindaninkspotinthecenterofone，letmeknow。’’
　　``I
　　understand。IthinkIcanmanageit。’’
　　``Mymoneywasmostlyinonesandtwos。’’
　　``Thatmayhelpyoualittle。Iwillbearitinmind。’’
　　TwodayslaterLukeHarrisonmetHarry。
　　``Haveyoufoundyourmoney，Walton？’’heasked。
　　``No，andIamafraidInevershall，’’saidourhero，shakinghishead。
　　``Whatdoyouthinkhasbecomeofit？’’
　　``That’sjustwhatIwouldliketofindout，’’saidHarry。``IsupposethatI
　　musthavebeenverycareless。’’
　　``Ofcourseyouwere。Ineverloseanymoney。Areyougoingtodoanythingaboutit？’’
　　``WhatcanIdoaboutit？’’
　　``He’sgivenitup，’’saidLuketohimself。``IthinkIcanventuretousesomeofitnow。I’llgoroundtoMerrill’sthisevening，andseewhathe’sgotinthewayofpants。’’
　　AccordinglyhestrolledintoMerrill’sthatevening``Gotanynewclothsin，Merrill？’’askedLuke。
　　``You’reowingmeabill。’’
　　``Howmuchisit？’’
　　``Someoverthirtydollars。’’
　　``I
　　can’tpayitall，butI’lltellyouwhatI’lldo。I’llpayyoufifteendollarsonaccount，andyoucanmakemeanewpairofpants。Willthatanswer？’’
　　``Allright。Ofcourse，I’dratheryou’dpaythewholebill。StillIwanttobeaccommodating。’’
　　``Letmelookatyourcloths。’’
　　Thetailordisplayedavarietyofcloths，oneofwhichsuitedLuke’sfancy。
　　``I
　　likethat，’’hesaid。``Makemeapairoffofthat。’’
　　Lukegavedirections，andthentookarollofbillsfromhispocket。
　　``Here’sfifteendollars，’’hesaid。``Justcreditmewiththatonthebill。’’
　　Merrillproceededtocountthemoney，whichconsistedofonesandtwos，andinstantlycametotheconclusionthatitwasfromHarry’smissingpocketbook，particularlyashecameupontheidenticalnotewiththeblotinthecenter。
　　``Whenwillyouhavethepantsdone？’’
　　``Youmaycallroundintwoorthreedays。’’
　　``Justmake’eminstyle，Merrill，andI’llsendallmyfriendshere。’’
　　``Myyoungfriend，’’soliloquizedthetailor，watchinghisexit，``youhavewalkedintomytrapneatly。Coleman’’——turningtoayoungmanpresentatthetime——
　　``didyouseeLukeHarrisonpaymethismoney？’’
　　``Yes；
　　tobesure。’’
　　``Doyouseethisblotononeofthebillsatwo？’’
　　``I
　　don’tseewhatthereisstrangeaboutthat。Anybodymightgetinkonabill，mightn’the？’’
　　``Ofcourse。’’
　　``Thebill’sjustasgood，isn’tit？’’
　　``Ofcourseitis。’’
　　Colemanwaspuzzled。Hecouldnotunderstandwhyheshouldhavebeencalledupontonoticesuchatrifle；butthetailorhadhisreasons，thoughhedidnotchoosetodivulgethemjustatpresent。Chapter17CHAPTERXVII。
　　INTHETAILOR’SPOWER。
　　``Isthatthebillyouspokeof，Walton？’’askedthetailor，onHarry’snextvisittotheshop。
　　``Yes，’’saidHarry，eagerly。``Wheredidyougetit？’’
　　``Youcanguess。’’
　　``FromLukeHarrison？’’
　　``Yes；
　　hepaidme，lastevening，fifteendollarsonaccountofhisbill。Thisnotewasamongthosehepaidme。’’
　　``Itismine。Icansweartoit。’’
　　``Therestofthemoneywasyours，nodoubt。Itisinonesandtwos。Lukehasbeencaughtinatrap。’’
　　``WhatshallIdo，Mr。Merrill？’’
　　``Themoneyisyours，andIwillrestoreittoyouafterseeingLuke。Iwillsendforhimtobehereatseveno’clockthisevening。’’
　　``Supposehedeniesgivingyouthebill？’’
　　``Iampreparedforthat。’’
　　AsLukewasatworkinhisshopthatday，thetailor’sboycameinwithanote。
　　``Thisisforyou，Luke，’’hesaid。
　　Lukeopenedit，andreadasfollows：
　　``Willyoucallatmyshopatseventhisevening，aboutthepantsyouordered？HENRY
　　MERRILL。’’
　　``TellyourfatherI’llcome，’’saidLuke。
　　``I
　　suppose，’’hethought，``Merrillwantstoconsultmeaboutsomething。Ihopehe’llhurrythemup。’’
　　Atseveno’clockheenteredthetailor’sshoponcemore。
　　``Well，Merrill，whatdoyouwanttoseemeabout？’’heasked。
　　``Luke，’’saidMr。Merrill，lookinghimsteadilyintheeye，``wheredidyougetthatmoneyyoupaidmeonaccount？’’
　　``WheredidIgetthemoney？’’repeatedLuke，flushing。``FromthemanIworkfor，tobesure。’’
　　``Willyousweartothat？’’
　　``Can’tyoutakemyword？’’
　　``ImayaswelltellyouthatHarryWaltonrecognizesoneofthebillsaspartofthemoneyhelosttheotherevening。’’
　　``Hedoes，doeshe？’’saidLuke，boldly。``That’sallnonsense。Billsalllookalike。’’
　　``Thisonehasadropofinkjustinthecenter。Herememberedhavingdroppedablotuponitoneeveningwhenhewaswritingaletter。’’
　　``DoyoumeantosayIstole’em？’’demandedLuke，angry，butalsosecretlyfrightened。
　　``Itlookslikeit，unlessyoucanexplainhowyoucamebytheblottedbill。’’
　　``I
　　don’tbelieveIpaidyouthebill。Verylikelyitwassomeoneelse。’’
　　``I
　　thoughtyouwouldsaythat，soIcalledColeman’sattentiontoitassoonasyouweregone。However，ifyouremployeradmitspayingyouthebills，ofcourseyouareallright。’’
　　Lukerememberedverywellhewaspaidinfives，andthatsuchanappealwoulddohimnogood。
　　``DoesWaltonknowthis？’’heasked，sinkingintoachair，andwipingtheperspirationfromhisbrow。
　　``Yes；
　　hesuspectedyou，andaskedmetolookoutforablottedtwo。’’
　　``I’dliketochokehim!’’saidLuke，fiercely。``Themiserlyscoundrel!’’
　　``Itseemstomethatheisquitejustifiedintryingtorecoverhismoney。Whathaveyoudonewiththerestofit？’’
　　``Tellmewhatwillbedonetome，’’saidLuke，sullenly。``Ionlypickeditupwhenhedroppeditintheroad。’’
　　``Whydidn’tyoutellhimyoufoundit？’’
　　``I
　　meanttogiveittohimafterawhile。Ionlywantedtokeepitlongenoughtofrightenhim。’’
　　``Thatwasdangerous，particularlyasyouusedit。’’
　　``I
　　meantogivehimbackothermoney。Iwashardup，andsoIuseditforashorttime。’’
　　``I
　　don’tthinkthatexcusewillavailyouinacourtofjustice。’’
　　``Courtofjustice!’’repeatedLuke，turningpale。
　　``Hewon’thavemetakenup，willhe？’’
　　``Hewillunlessyouarrangetorestoreallthemoney。’’
　　``I’vepaidyoupartofit。’’
　　``ThatIshallhandovertohim。Haveyoutherest？’’
　　``I’vespentafewdollars。I’vegoteightdollarsleft。’’
　　``Youhadbettergiveittome。’’
　　Reluctantly，Lukedrewouthispocketbook，andpassedovertheeightdollarstoMr。Merrill。
　　``Sofar，sogood，’’saidthetailor。``Nowwhenwillyoupaytherest？’’
　　``Inafewweeks，’’saidLuke。
　　``Thatwon’tdo。Howmuchdoyouearnaweek？’’
　　``Fifteendollars。’’
　　``Howmuchdoyoupayforboard？’’
　　``Fourdollars。’’
　　``Thenyouwillbeabletopayelevendollarsattheendofthisweek。’’
　　``I
　　can’tgetalongwithoutmoney，’’saidLuke，doggedly。
　　``Youwillhavetotillyoupaybackthemoney，unlessyoupreferappearingbeforeacourtofjustice。Ibelieveyouowemeoverthirtydollars。Whenareyougoingtopayit？’’
　　Therewasasignificanceinhistone，whicharrestedLuke’sattention。
　　``I’llpayyouassoonasIcan，’’hesaid。``Ihaven’tgotanymoneynow。’’
　　``Youarefullyabletopayforyourclothespromptly，andIadviseyoutodoit。’’
　　``I’llpayyouassoonasIcan。’’
　　``Ifyouneglecttodoit，ImayaswelltellyouthatIshallletitbeknownthatyoustoleWalton’spocketbook。Thewholestorywouldbetold，andpeoplemightthinkastheypleased。Butitismuchbetterforyoutoavoidallthisbypayingyourbills。’’
　　LukeHarrisonleftthetailor’sshopinaveryunhappyanddisgustedframeofmind。
　　Theprospectofpayinghisdebtsundercompulsionwasfarfromagreeable，andhecursedhisfollyinsosoonmakinguseofHarryWalton’smoney。
　　``IfI
　　hadonlyhadthesensetowaittillitblewover，’’hesaidtohimself，``I
　　shouldhaveescapedallthis。Ididn’tthinkMerrillwouldactsomean。’’
　　Thatwashiswayoflookingatit。
　　``NowI’minforpayinghisinfernalbillbesides，’’hecontinued。``It’stoobad。’’
　　JustthenhecameuponFrankHeath，whohailedhim。
　　``Luke，Iwasjustlookingforyou。Comeandplayagameofbilliards。’’
　　``Ifyou’llpromisenottobeatme。Ihaven’tgotacentofmoney。’’
　　``Youhaven’t？Whathaveyoudonewiththosebillsyouhadthisafternoon？’’
　　``I’vepaid’emovertoMerrill，’’saidLuke，hesitating。``Hewasinadeucedstewabouthisbill。’’
　　``Don’tyouowehimanymore？Haveyoupaidallup？’’
　　``Notquite。’’
　　``Whenareyournewpantsgoingtobeready——thoseyoutoldmeabout？’’
　　``I
　　don’tknow，’’saidLuke，withapangofdisappointment。
　　``Merrill’smakingthem，isn’the？’’
　　``Heagreedto；butnowhesayshewon’t，tillIhavepaidthewholebill。’’
　　``Seemstomeyourcreditain’tverygood，Luke。’’
　　``It’sgoodenough，buthe’shardupformoney。Iguesshe’sgoingtofail。Ifyou’lllendmeacoupleofdollars，I’llgoaroundandhaveagame。’’
　　FrankHeathlaughed。
　　``You’llhavetogotosomeoneelse，Luke，’’hesaid。``Perhapsyou’regoingtofail，too。’’
　　Lukepassedadisagreeableevening，feelingthathewasavictimofillluck。Itdidnotoccurtohimthattheillluckwasofhisownbringingon。Chapter18CHAPTERXVIII。
　　THECOMINGOFTHEMAGICIAN。
　　Harrywasnotalittlerejoicedattherecoveryofsolargeaportionofhislostmoney，andtheprospectofgettingbacktherest。Heforesawthattherewouldbesomeembarrassmentinmeetinghim，butheresolved，notbylookorword，tosuggestwhathadhappened。Accordinglywhen，thedayafterward，hemetLukeonthebridge，hesaid，pleasantly，``Good—morning，Luke。’’
　　``Good—morning，’’saidLukestiffly。
　　``He’llgetoveritwhenhefindsIdon’tspeakofit，’’thoughtHarry。
　　OnSaturdayevening，accordingtohisarrangement，Lukewastohavepaidthesurplusofhiswages，aftermeetinghisboardbill，toMr。Merrill，forHarry。
　　Buthedidnotgonearhim。OnMondaythetailor，meetinghim，inquiredwhyhehadnotkepthisagreement。
　　``Ihadmywageslooseinmypocket，andmanagedtolosethemsomehow。I’velookedeverywhere，andcan’tfindthemoney。’’
　　``Thatisverysingular，’’saidthetailor，suspiciously。
　　``Whyisitsingular？’’askedLuke。``Didn’tHarryWaltonlosehismoney？’’
　　``Wheredoyouthinkyoulostthemoney？’’askedMerrill。
　　``I’msureIdon’tknow，’’saidLuke。
　　``Well，’’saidMerrill，dryly，``IhopeyouwilltakebettercareofyourwagesnextSaturdayevening。’’
　　``I
　　don’tbelieveawordofwhathesaysaboutlosinghismoney，’’saidthetailor，privately，toHarry。``Ithinkit’sonlyatricktogetridofpayingyou。’’
　　``Don’tyouthinkhe’llpayme？’’askedHarry，anxiously。
　　``Hewon’tifhecanhelpit，’’wastheanswer。
　　``He’saslipperycustomer。Ibelievehismoneyisinhispocketatthismoment。’’
　　Heintendedtorunaway，leavingallhiscreditorsinthelurch。Thiswasthe``newwaytopayolddebts，’’whichoccurredtoLukeasmuchtheeasiest。
　　Besides，hewouldhavethesatisfactionofleavingthetailorandHarry，bothofwhomhehated，towhistlefortheirmoney。
　　ThenextSaturdayevening，Mr。Merrillwaitedinvainforacallfromhisdebtor。
　　OnMondaymorninghelearnedthatLukehadlefttownwithoutacquaintinganyonewithhisdestination。Ittranspired，also，thathewasowingathisboardinghousefortwoweeks’board。Hewasthusenabledtodepartwithnearlythirtydollars，forpartsunknown。
　　``Hehasevidentlybeensavingupmoneytohelphimoutoftown。Probablyhehasgonetosomeotherplacewherethereareshoeshops；butIamafraidthatwon’tgiveusaverydefiniteclew。Sometimewemaygetuponhistrack，andcompelhimtopayup。’’
　　``Thatwon’tdomemuchgood，’’saidHarry，despondently。Andthenhetoldthetailorwhyhewantedthemoney。
　　``You’llhavemostofitready，won’tyou？’’
　　``I
　　thinkIwill。’’
　　``Nodoubtthismanthatsoldyourfatherthecowwillwaitforthebalance。’’
　　``Idon’tknowaboutthat，’’saidHarry，doubtfully。
　　``I
　　wouldlendyouthemoneymyself，’’saidthetailor，``butI’vegotaheavypaymenttomeet，andsomeofmycustomersareslowpay，thoughIhavenotmanyasbadasLukeHarrison。’’
　　``Thankyou，Mr。Merrill，’’saidHarry。``Iamasmuchobligedtoyouasifyoucouldlendmethemoney。’’
　　TheverynextdayMr。Leavittreceivedamessagefromthewholesaledealertowhomhesoldhisshoesthatthemarketwasgluttedandsalesslow。
　　``I
　　shallnotwantanymoregoodsforamonthortwo，’’theletterconcluded。``I
　　willletyouknowwhenIneedmore。’’
　　Mr。
　　Leavittreadthisletteraloudintheshop。
　　``Soitseemswearetohaveavacation，’’hesaid。
　　ThiswasacatastropheforwhichHarrywasnotprepared。Twenty—threedollarswereallthathehadsavedfromthemoneylost。
　　``DoyouthinkIcangetintoanyothershopintown？’’heinquiredanxiouslyofMr。
　　Leavitt。
　　``Youcantry，Harry；butIguessyou’llfindothersnobetteroffthanI。’’
　　Hedevotedthenextdaytogoingroundamongtheshops；buteverywherehemetwithunfavorableanswers。
　　``Itseemsasifallmymoneymustgo，’’thoughtHarry。``FirstthetendollarsLukeHarrisonstole。Thenworkstopped。Idon’tknowbutitwouldbebetterformetogohome。’’
　　``I
　　won’tgiveupyet，’’saidHarry，pluckily。``Imustexpecttomeetwithsomebadluck。Isupposeeverybodydoes，firstorlast。Something’llturnupforme，ifItrytomakeit。’’
　　Duringhisfirstidleday，Harry’sattentionwasdrawntoahandbillwhichhadbeenpostedupinthestore，thepostthetavern，andotherpublicplacesinthevillage。Itwastothiseffect：PROFESSORHENDERSON，THECELEBRATEDMAGICIAN，WillexhibithiswonderfulfeatsofMagicandSleight—of—HandintheTownHallthisevening，commencingateighto’clock。InthecourseoftheentertainmenthewillamusetheaudiencebyhiswonderfulexhibitionofVentriloquism，inwhichheisunsurpassed。
　　Tickets25Cents。Childrenundertwelve，15cents。
　　SuchwasthenoticewhichattractedHarry’sattention。
　　``Areyougoingtotheexhibition，Walton？’’askedFrankHeath。
　　``I
　　don’tknow，’’saidHarry。
　　``Bettercome。It’llbeworthseeing。Theprofessor’sstoppingatthetavern。
　　Comeoverandwemayseehim，’’saidFrank。
　　Harryfeltsomecuriositytoseethemagician，andaccompaniedhiscompanionthither。Chapter19CHAPTERXIX。
　　THEVENTRILOQUIST。
　　Theboyswentintothepublicroomofthetavern。
　　``Themagicianisn’there，’’saidHarry。
　　``Hush，heishere!’’saidFrank，inalowvoice，asthedooropened，andatall，portlymanenteredtheroom。
　　ProfessorHenderson——foritwashewalkeduptothebar。Thenheglancedleisurelyroundtheapartment。FinallyhiseyesrestedonHarryandhiscompanion。Apparentlyhisattentionwasfixedbyourhero，forhewalkeduptohim，andsaid：
　　``Youngman，Iwouldliketospeaktoyou。’’
　　``Allright，sir，’’saidHarry，insurprise。
　　``Ifyouarenototherwiseoccupied，willyouaccompanymetomyroom？’’
　　``Certainly，sir，’’returnedHarry，infreshwonder，which，itisneedlesstosay，wassharedbyFrankHeath。
　　``Sitdown，’’saidthemagician；andheseatedhimselfinachair，wavingHarrytoanother。
　　``I’lltellyouatoncewhatIwantofyou。Ifyouarenotoccupied，Iwantyoutotaketicketsatthedoorofthehalltonight。Canyoudoit？’’
　　``Yes，sir，’’saidHarry，promptly。
　　``Itseemseasyenough，’’saidtheprofessor；``butnoteveryonecandoitrapidlywithoutmakingmistakes。Areyouquickatfigures？’’
　　``Iamusuallyconsideredso，’’saidourhero。``Ialwayslikedarithmetic。’’
　　``I
　　won’taskyouwhetheryouarehonest，foryouwouldsayso，ofcourse。Ijudgefromyourface，whichisanhonestone。Ihavetraveledagooddeal，andIamagoodjudgeoffaces，Iflattermyself。’’
　　``Youshallnotbedisappointed，sir。’’
　　``I
　　knowthat，inadvance。Now，tellmeifyouareatwork，ordoyouattendschool？’’
　　``I
　　havebeenatworkinashoeshopinthisvillage，sir。’’
　　``I’lltakeyouinmyemployifyouhavenoobjectiontotravel。’’
　　Objectiontotravel。Whoeverheardofaboyoffifteenwhohadanobjectiontotravel？
　　``Butwillyourparentsconsent？Thatisthenextquestion。’’
　　``Myfatherconsentedtohavemeleavehome，astherewasnothingtodothere，andhewillhavenoobjectiontomyearningmylivinginanyhonestway。’’
　　``Well，myyoungfriend，Icanassureyouthatmywayisanhonestone，thoughI
　　franklyconfessIdomybesttodeceivethepeoplewhocometomyentertainments。’’
　　``Whatisityouwantmetodo，sir？’’
　　``Partlywhatyouaregoingtodoto—night——taketicketsatthedoor；butthatisnotall。Ihavetocarryaboutconsiderableapparatus，andIneedhelpaboutarrangingit。Sometimes，also，Ineedhelpinmyexperiments。’’
　　``DoyouthinkIamoldenough，sir？’’askedHarry。
　　``Howoldareyou？’’
　　``Fifteen。’’
　　Harry’sfifteenthbirthdayhadrecentlypassed。
　　``I
　　havenodoubtyouwillanswermypurpose。Thereisnothingveryhardtodo。’’
　　``Howmuchpaydoyougive，sir？’’
　　``A
　　practicalquestion，’’saidtheprofessor，smiling。``Tobeginwith，ofcourseI
　　paytravelingexpenses，andIcanofferyoufivedollarsaweekbesides。Willthatbesatisfactory？’’
　　``Yes，sir，’’saidHarry，hisheartgivingagreatthrobofexultation。
　　``Canyougetreadytostartwithmeto—morrowmorning？’’
　　``Yes，sir。’’
　　``Thenitissettled。Behereatteno’clock。Butitistimeyouwereatthehall。I
　　willgiveyouasupplyofsmallbillsandchange，asyoumayhavetochangesomebills。’’
　　``Thiswalletcontainstwentydollars，’’hesaid。
　　``Ofcourseyouwillbringmebackthatamount，inadditiontowhatyoutakeatthedoorthisevening。’’
　　``Verywell，sir。’’
　　WhenFrankHeathandhiscompanionwentovertotheTownHalltheyfoundHarrybusilyengagedinmakingchange。
　　``Hello，Walton!’’saidFrank。``Areyoutreasurerofthisconcern？’’
　　``Itseemsso，’’saidHarry。
　　``You’llletinyourfriendsfornothing，won’tyou？’’
　　``Notmuch，’’saidHarry。``Ichargethemdoubleprice。’’
　　``Well，here’syourmoney。’’
　　Harrywaskeptbusytilltenminutesaftereight。Bythattimeaboutallwhointendedtobepresentwereinthehall，andthemagicianwasgratifiedbyseeingthatitwascrowded。
　　``Ladiesandgentlemen，’’hebegan，``letmethankyoubeforeIcommenceforyourlargeattendancethisevening。Iassureyou，apartfromitseffectuponmypurse，Iamtrulygratifiedtofindmyeffortstoamuseyousokindlywelcomed。
　　Withoutfurtherpreface，Iwillproceedtothebusinessoftheevening。’’Chapter20CHAPTERXX。
　　HARRY’SLETTER。
　　DuringHarry’sabsence，thelittlehouseholdatGrantonhadgotalongaboutasusual。Theylived，asitwere，fromhandtomouth，neverhavingadollartospare。
　　Therewasoneneighborwhowatchedtheirprogresssharply，andthiswasSquireGreen。
　　ItwillberememberedthathehadboundMr。Waltontoforfeittendollars，if，attheendofsixmonths，hewasnotpreparedtopaythefortydollarsandinterestwhichhehadagreedtopayforthecow。Asabonusofthreedollarshadalreadybeenpaid，thiswouldgivehimthirteendollarsfortheuseofthecowforsixmonths，which，consideringthevalueoftheanimal，wasexorbitant。
　　OnemorningSquireGreenaccostedMr。Waltonashewaspassinghishouse，thesquirebeingatworkinhisownfrontyard。
　　``Howisthatcowa—doin’？’’
　　``Prettywell。’’
　　``She’sagoodcow。’’
　　``NotsogoodastheoneIlost。’’
　　``You’rejokin’，now，neighbor。Itwasmybestcow。Iwouldn’thavesoldherexcepttoobleege。Le’mesee，howlongisitsinceIsoldhertoye？’’
　　Thoughthesquireapparentlyaskedforinformation，heknewthetime，toaday，andwasnotverylikelytoforgetwhenitexpired。
　　``It’sbetweenfourandfivemonths，Ibelieve。’’
　　``You’dbetterbea—savin’upforit。’’
　　``Thereisn’tmuchchanceofmysaving。It’sallIcandotomakebothendsmeet。’’
　　``Butyouworkout，don’tyou？’’
　　``WhenIgetachance。Youdon’twantanyhelp，doyou，squire？Imightworkoffpartofthedebtthatway。’’
　　``No，I
　　don’twantnothin’donenow。MebbenextspringI’dlikesomehelp。Whatdoyouhearfromthatboyofyours？Ishedoin’well？’’
　　``He’satworkinashoeshop。’’
　　``He’dbetterhavegonetoworkforme，’’hesaid。
　　``No，I
　　thinkhewilldobetterawayfromhome。Hewillgetagoodtradethathecanfallbackuponhereafter，evenifhefollowssomeotherbusiness。’’
　　``Wal，Ineverlearnednotrade，butI’vegotalongmiddlin’well，’’saidthesquire，inacomplacenttone。``Farmin’sgoodenoughforme。’’
　　``Well，Imustbegoingontothestore。Good—morning。’’
　　``Good—mornin’。’’
　　``Heevidentlyintendstokeepmetomyagreement，andwillexactthetendollarsincaseIcan’tpayforthecowattheappointedtime。IhopeHarrywillsucceedbetterinlifethanIhave。I’mnotwithoutthingstobethankfulfor；butit’shardtobesopinchedformoney。’’
　　``ThiswasnotthedayforaletterfromHarry，butitoccurredtoMr。Waltontocallatthepostoffice。Contrarytohisanticipations，aletterwashandedhim。
　　``I
　　won’topenittillIgethome，’’hesaidtohimself。
　　``I’vegotaletterfromHarry，’’hesaid，asheenteredthehouse。``Ihaven’topenedtheletteryet。Here，Tom，openandreaditaloud。’’
　　Tomopenedtheletterandreadasfollows：
　　``DearFather：——Imusttellyou，tobeginwith，thatIhavebeencompelledtostopworkintheshoeshop。Themarketisoverstocked，andsothetradehasbecomeverydull。’’
　　``Ofcourse，IfeltquitebadwhenMr。Leavitttoldmethis，forIfeareditwouldpreventmyhelpingyoupayforthecow，asIwantsomuchtodo。Iwentroundtoseveralothershops，hopingtogetinelsewhere；butIfounditimpossible。
　　Still，Ihavesucceededingettingsomethingtodothatwillpaymebetterthanworkintheshop。Youwillbesurprisedwhenyoufindoutwhatitis。So，torelieveyoursuspense，IwilltellyouthatIhaveengagedasassistanttoProfessorHenderson，thefamousmagicianandventriloquist，andamtostartto—morrowmorningonatravelingtourwithhim。’’
　　``Assistanttoamagician!’’exclaimedMrs。Walton。``Well，ofallthings!Whatdoestheboyknowaboutmagic？’’
　　Tomproceeded：``Iamtotakemoneyatthedoorinthedifferentplaceswheretheprofessorgiveshisentertainments。Besides，Iamtohelphimarrangehisapparatus，andsoon。YouknowI’veneverbeenroundany，andIshallliketravelingandseeingnewplaces。ProfessorHendersonisverykind，andIthinkIshalllikehim。Hepaysmytravelingexpensesandfivedollarsaweek，whichisnearlytwiceasmuchmoneyasIgotfromMr。Leavitt。Ihope，yet，tobeabletopayforthecowwhenthemoneycomesdue。Lovetoallathome。HARRY。
　　``P。S。
　　——YoumaydirectyournextlettertomeatConcord，asweshallbethereinafewdays。IwillwriteasoftenasIgetachance，andletyouknowhowIamgettingalong。’’
　　``Heisfortunatetofindemploymentatonce，’’saidhisfather；``though，ofcourse，somethingwhichhecanfollowsteadilyisbetter。Butthepayisgood，andIamgladhehasgotit。’’
　　``HowlongitseemssinceHarrywasathome，’’saidhismother。``IwishIcouldseehim。’’
　　TomreportedtohisboycompanionsthatHarrywastravelingwithamagician，andsoexcitedtheirenvyandadmiration。Chapter21CHAPTERXXI。
　　ASTRANGECOMPANION。
　　Atteno’clockthenextdayHarrypresentedhimselfatthehotel。HecarriedinhishandacarpetbaglenthimbyMr。Leavitt，whichcontainedhissmallstockofunder—clothing。HisoutsidesuitsheleftatMr。Leavitt’s。
　　``Iseeyouareontime，’’saidtheprofessor。
　　``Yes，sir；Ialwaysmeantobe。’’
　　``That’swell；nowifyou’lljumpintomybuggywithme，wewillrideroundtotheTownHall，andtakeinmyapparatus。Ihavetokeepacarriage，’’saidthemagician，astheyrodealong。``Asageneralthing，theplacesatwhichIgiveentertainmentsareneartogether，andmyhorseanswersmypurpose。’’
　　TheydrewupinfrontoftheTownHall，andinashorttimetheapparatuswastransferredtoatrunkinthebackpartofthebuggy，andsecurelylocked。
　　``Wouldyouliketodrive？’’
　　``Yes，sir，’’answeredHarry，withalacrity。
　　``IamgoingtogiveanentertainmentinHolstonthisevening，’’saidhisnewemployer。``Wereyoueverthere？’’
　　``No，sir。’’
　　``Itisasmartlittleplace，and，althoughthepopulationisnotlarge，Ialwaysdrawafullhouse。’’
　　Hiscompanionleanedbackathisease，andtalkedsociallyonvarioussubjects。Hepausedamoment，andHarrywasstartledbyhearingastifledchild’svoicejustbehindhim：``Oh，letmeout!Don’tkeepmelockeduphere!’’
　　Thereinsnearlyfellfromhishands。Heturned，andheardthevoiceapparentlyproceedingfromthetrunk。
　　ThetruthflasheduponHarry。Hiscompanionwasexertingsomeofhispowersasaventriloquist。
　　``Oh，itisyou，sir，’’hesaid，smiling。
　　Hiscompanionsmiled。
　　``Youareright，’’hesaid。
　　``I
　　don’tseehowyoucandoit，’’saidHarry，inadmiration。``Itwasperfectlynatural。’’
　　``Practice，myboy。’’
　　Aweeklater，HarryreachedabriskmanufacturingplacewhichIwillcallCentreville。
　　Incompanywithhisemployerhedroveoverfromaneighboringtown，and，accordingtocustom，putupatthevillagehotel。Heassistedtheprofessorduringtheafternoontogetreadythehallforhiseveningperformance，and，athalf—pastfive，tookhisseatatthesuppertable。
　　JustasHarrybegantoeatheliftedhiseyesandstartedinsurpriseasherecognized，inhisoppositeneighbor，LukeHarrison。Preciselyatthesamemoment，Lukealsolookedup，andtherecognitionwasmutual。LukewasdisagreeablystartledatHarry’ssuddenappearance。NotknowinghisconnectionwithProfessorHenderson，hefanciedthatourherowasinquestofhim，andnotbeingskilledinthelaw，feltalittleapprehensionastowhatcoursehemighttake。
　　``Howareyou，Walton？’’hesaid。
　　``Iamwell，’’saidHarry，coldly。
　　``Howdoyouhappentobeinthisneighborhood？’’
　　``Onbusiness，’’saidHarry，briefly。
　　Lukejumpedtotheconclusionthatthebusinessrelatedtohim，and，consciousofwrong—doing，feltdisturbed。
　　``Youleftusrathersuddenly，’’saidHarry。``Nooneknewwhereyouhadgone。’’
　　``Why，yes，’’saidLuke，hesitating。``Ihadreasons。I’lltellyouaboutitaftersupper。’’
　　AsHarryrosefromthetableLukerose，also，andjoinedhim。
　　``Comeupstairstomyroom，Walton，’’hesaid，``andhaveacigar。’’
　　``I’llgoupstairswithyou，butIdon’tsmoke。’’
　　Heledthewayintoasmallapartmentonthetopfloor。
　　``Thisismyden，’’hesaid。``Thereisn’tbutonechair；butI’llsitonthebed。
　　Whendidyoureachtown？’’
　　``Aboutnoon。’’
　　``Areyougoingtostoplong？’’
　　``I
　　shallstayheretillIgetthroughwithmyerrand，’’answeredHarry，shrewdly；
　　forhesawwhatLukethought。
　　Lukelookedalittleuneasy。
　　``Bytheway，Walton，’’hesaid，``IbelieveIoweyoualittlemoney。’’
　　``Yes；
　　Ibelieveso。’’
　　``Herearefivedollars，’’hesaid；``I’llpayyoutherestassoonasIcan——inaweekortwo。’’
　　Harrytookthebanknotewithsecretself—congratulation，forhehadgivenupthedebtasbad。
　　``Iamgladtogetit，’’hesaid。``Ihaveauseforallmymoney。Areyouworkinginthistown？’’
　　``Yes。
　　Theshoebusinessiscarriedonhereconsiderably。AreyoustillworkingforMr。Leavitt？’’
　　``No；I
　　havelefthim。’’
　　``Whatareyoudoing？’’
　　``I’mtravelingwithProfessorHenderson。’’
　　``What，themagician？’’
　　``Yes。’’
　　``AndisthatwhatbroughtyoutoCentreville？’’askedLuke，quickly。
　　``Yes。’’
　　``I
　　thought，’’answeredLuke，evasively，``thatyoumightbelookingforworkinsomeoftheshoeshopshere。’’
　　``Isthereanychance，doyouthink？’’
　　``No，I
　　don’tthinkthereis，’’saidLuke，hastily。
　　``ThenIshallprobablystaywiththeprofessorforthepresent。’’
　　``Whatdoyoudo？’’
　　``Taketicketsatthedoorandhelphimbefore—handwithhisapparatus。’’
　　``You’llletmeinfree，to—night，won’tyou？’’
　　``Thatisn’tformetodecide。Itisn’tmyentertainment。’’
　　``WhatafoolIwastopayhimthatfivedollars!’’thoughtLuke，regretfully。``IfI
　　hadn’tbeensuchasimpleton，Ishouldhavefoundoutwhatbroughthimhere，beforethrowingawaynearlyallIhad。’’
　　ThiswastheviewLuketookofpayinghisdebts。Heregardeditasmoneythrownaway。Apparently，agoodmanyyoungmenareofasimilaropinion。Thiswasnot，however，accordingtoHarry’scode，andwasneverlikelytobe。Hebelievedinhonestyandintegrity。Ifhehadn’tIshouldfeelfarlessconfidenceinhisultimatesuccess。
　　``I
　　thinkImustleaveyou，’’saidHarry，rising。
　　``Theprofessormayneedme。’’
　　``DoesitpayasmuchasLeavittdid？’’
　　``Rathermore。’’
　　``I
　　wouldn’tmindtryingitmyself。Doyouhandleallthemoney？’’
　　``I
　　takethemoneyatthedoor。’’
　　``I
　　supposeyoumightkeepbackadollarorsoeverynight，andhe’dneverknowthedifference。’’
　　``I
　　don’tknow。Ineverthoughtaboutthat，’’saidHarry，dryly。
　　``Oh，I
　　remember，you’reoneofthepiousboys，’’sneeredLuke。
　　``I’mtoopioustotakemoneythatdoesn’tbelongtome，ifthat’swhatyoumean，’’
　　saidHarry。
　　``Doyoumeanthatforme？’’Lukedemanded，angrily。
　　``Meanwhatforyou？’’
　　``Thataboutkeepingotherpeople’smoney，’’blusteredLuke。
　　``I
　　wasn’ttalkingaboutyouatall。Iwastalkingaboutmyself。’’
　　``I
　　don’tbelieveinpeoplethatsetthemselvesuptobesomuchbetterthananybodyelse。’’
　　``Doyoumeanthatforme？’’askedHarry，smiling。
　　``Yes，Ido。Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit？’’
　　``Nothing，’’saidHarry，quietly，``excepttodenythatImakeanysuchclaims。Shallyoucomearoundtothehallto—night？’’
　　``Perhapsso。’’
　　``ThenIshallseeyou。Imustbegoingnow。’’
　　Hewentout，leavingLukevainlydeploringthelossofthefivedollarswhichhehadsofoolishlysquanderedinpayinghisdebt。Chapter22CHAPTERXXII。
　　INTHEPRINTINGOFFICE。
　　``Harry，’’saidtheprofessorafterbreakfastthenextmorning，``Ifindwemustgetsomemorebillsprinted。
　　YoumaygoaroundtotheofficeoftheCentrevilleGazetteandaskthemhowsoontheycanprintmeahundredlargebillsandathousandsmallones。’’
　　``Allright，sir。Supposetheycan’thavethemdonebythetimewearereadytostart？’’
　　``Theycansendthemtomebyexpresstothenextplace。’’
　　``Verywell，sir。’’
　　Harrywasrathergladtodothiserrand。Hehadneverbeenintoaprintingoffice；
　　buthehadagreatcuriositytodosoeversincehehadreadthe``LifeofBenjaminFranklin。’’IftherewasanyoneinwhosestepshethoughtheshouldliketofollowitwasFranklin，andFranklinwasaprinter。
　　Hehadnodifficultyinfindingtheoffice。Itwasinthesecondstoryofabuildingjustatthejunctionoftworoadsnearthecenterofthetown。Heascendedastaircaseandsawonthedoor，attheheadofthestairs：
　　``CENTREVILLEGAZETTE。’’
　　Heopenedthedoorandentered。Hesawalargeroom，containingapressatoneend，whiletwoyoungmen，withpapercapsontheirheads，werestandingintheirshirtsleevesatuprightcases，settingtype。Ononesidetherewasaverysmallofficepartitionedoff。Within，amanwasseenseatedatadesk，withapileofexchangepapersonthefloor，writingbusily。ThiswasMr。
　　JothamAnderson，publisherandeditoroftheGazette，andforemanoftheprintingoffice。
　　``I
　　wanttogetsomeprintingdone，’’saidHarry。
　　``Foryourself？’’
　　``No；
　　forProfessorHenderson。’’
　　``I’vedonejobsforhimbefore。Whatdoeshewant？’’
　　Ourheroexplained。
　　``Verywell；wewilldoit。’’
　　``Canyouhaveitdonebeforetwoo’clock？’’
　　``Impossible。Iamjustbringingoutmypaper。Itispublishedto—morrow。’’
　　``Whencanyouhavethejobfinished？’’
　　``To—morrownoon。’’
　　``I
　　supposethatwilldo。Weperformto—morrowatBerlin，andtheycanbesentovertothehotelthere。’’