t does thee wish to do?" asked the old man, as he looked at
his large gold-faced watch.

"I want to get some work," replied Neal.

"Is thee willing to take anything thee can get?"

"Yes, almost anything," with a hasty glance at the piles of lumber
without.

"Does thee know that times are hard, and it is almost impossible for
even young men of experience to get a situation, while thee is but a
boy?"

"Ye-es. I suppose so."

"Thee need not expect much salary."

"No, only enough to live on. I'm going to be very economical."

William Carpenter smiled, and looked at the boy kindly. He was silent
for a few minutes, and then he said:

"Neal, as thee is my ward and also my cousin, I am willing to make a
place for thee here. We can give thee but a small stipend, but it is
better than nothing for one who is anxious for work, as thee says thee
is. Thee will not have board and lodging to pay for, however, as thee
can make thy home with Rachel and myself. Our boy, had he lived, would
have been about thy age."

This was said calmly, with no suspicion of emotion. It was simply the
statement of a fact.

"Oh, thank you, cousin William, you are very kind! But--do you think I
could ever learn the lumber business? It--it seems so--well, I don't
exactly see what there is to do."

"Thee is too hasty, by far. Thee could not be expected to know the
business before thee has set foot in the yard. But thee must learn first
that it is well to make the most of every opportunity that comes to
hand. Will thee, or will thee not, come into my home and my employ? It
is the best I can do for thee."

And after a moment's hesitation, and one wild regret for the lost
pleasures of the Stock Exchange, Neal agreed to do it.

It was thus he began his business life.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

* * * * *

It is enjoyable to read a good story of the biter being bitten, and the
following one may not be amiss:

A class of students, holding a grudge against one of the professors,
tied a live goose to his chair. Upon entering the room the professor saw
the goose, and calmly walking up to the desk, addressed the class as
follows:

"Gentlemen, as you have succeeded in getting an instructor so much
better qualified to direct the bent of your ideas, I beg you will pardon
me for resigning the chair."

[Illustration: A BALLAD OF THE "CONSTITUTION"]

BY ROWAN STEVENS.

_This is the tale that was told to me