cordiality when he had read his uncle's
letter.

"My uncle writes here that you two young gentlemen recently rendered him
an important service."

"We were fortunate enough to save him from being robbed," said Harry
modestly.

"And maltreated, also, I presume," said the nephew. "When did you arrive
in New York?"

"Last Thursday, sir."

"Did you leave my uncle well?"

"He looked in excellent health."

"How long do you remain in the city? What are your plans?"

"We think of leaving to-morrow. We wish to see friends from whom we have
long been parted."

"My uncle wishes me to offer you a position in my establishment, Mr.
Vane. If that will meet your views, I shall be happy to receive you."

"I should like nothing better, sir," replied Harry, his eyes sparkling.

"Will fifteen dollars a week satisfy you to begin with?"

"But, sir, I can't hope to earn as much as that."

"Well perhaps not, just at first," said the merchant, smiling; "but if
your looks don't belie you, it will not be long before your services
will be worth that sum. At any rate I am ready to pay it."

"Thank you, sir," said Harry gratefully. "When would you wish me to
commence?"

"When you please. You had better take a vacation of a month to visit
your friends. Then come to the city, and enter my employment."

Harry renewed his thanks, and Mr. Woolson turned to Jack.

"Yon have been trained as a sailor, I believe," he said.

"Yes, sir."

"Do you wish to follow the sea?"

"Yes, sir," answered Jack promptly. "I love the sea."

"Then I will find you a good position on one of my ships, commend you
specially to the captain as a young friend of mine, and promote you as
fast as your progress in seamanship will warrant my doing so."

Now it was Jack's turn to look jubilant, for nothing could have suited
him better.

"You too will want a vacation. Take as long as you like, and then come
to me. By the way, I don't know how you are situated as regards money.
If either of you desires an advance, I shall be glad to accommodate
you."

"We met with good luck at the mines," said Harry, "and are both well
supplied with money. We thank you, however, for your kind offer."

The boys left the office in high spirits.

"I don't see but our prospects are bright, Jack," said Harry.

"I didn't think so when we were on the island," said Jack, "or when we
were captives among the bushrangers."

"No; we have certainly seen some hard times. Let us hope t