ed a composition on this subject. The thoughts
were good, but, as might be expected, the expression was somewhat crude,
and of course the teacher found errors to correct and suggestions to
make. These Harry eagerly welcomed and voluntarily proposed to rewrite
the composition. The result was a very much improved draft. He sent a
copy home and received in reply a letter from his father, expressing
surprise and gratification at the excellence of his essay.

"I am glad, Harry," the letter concluded, "that you have formed just
views of the importance of learning. I have never ceased to regret that
my own opportunities for education were so limited and that my time has
been so much absorbed by the effort to make a living, that I have
been able to do so little toward supplying my deficiencies. Even in a
pecuniary way an education will open to you a more prosperous career,
and lead, I hope, to competence, instead of the narrow poverty which has
been my lot. I will not complain of my own want of success, if I can see
my children prosper."

But while intent upon cultivating his mind, Harry had not lost sight of
the great object which had sent him from home to seek employment among
strangers. He had undertaken to meet the note which his father had given
Squire Green in payment for the cow. By the first of December he had
saved up thirty-three dollars toward this object. By the middle of
January the note would come due.

Of course he had not saved so much without the strictest economy, and by
denying himself pleasures which were entirely proper. For instance, he
was waited upon by Luke Harrison on the first day of December, and asked
to join in a grand sleighing excursion to a town ten miles distant,
where it was proposed to take supper, and, after a social time, return
late in the evening.

"I would like to go," said Harry, who was strongly, tempted, for he was
by no means averse to pleasure; "but I am afraid I cannot. How much will
it cost?"

"Three dollars apiece. That pays for the supper too."

Harry shook his head. It was for rum a week's wages. If he were not
trying to save money for his father, he might have ventured to incur
this expense, but he felt that under present circumstances it would not
be best.

"I can't go," said Harry.

"Oh, come along," urged Luke. "Don't make such a mope of yourself.
You'll be sure to enjoy it."

"I know I should; but I can't afford it."

"I never knew a feller that thought so muc