ousehold was astir. There was a noise of hurried going and
coming, and of trunks being carried down stairs, and for the first time
I heard mingled with the sedate voices of my master and his wife,
another voice, cheery and musical, which I at once guessed to belong to
my future lord and master.

It was not till after this bustle had been going on for a good while
that I was taken out of the drawer and put back into the pocket in which
I had spent so many anxious hours the day before. But here I was
destined not to remain long, as will be seen.

Breakfast was a sad meal to that little family. Even the gay, high-
spirited boy was sobered in anticipation of the coming parting, and as
to his parents, they dared not open their lips for fear of breaking
down.

Then there was a rumbling of wheels in the street, and a banging about
of boxes at the hall door; then a last long embrace between mother and
son. She no longer resisted her grief, and he for the time forgot
everything but her he was leaving; then father and son stepped into the
cab and drove away.

I felt the father's heart beating quicker and his chest heaving deeper
as we proceeded. Presently his hand stole to the pocket where I lay
hid, and he said--

"Charlie, boy, I've said all I have to say to you. You will remember
our talk last night, I am sure, and I shall remember it too. I have no
greater wish than to see my boy brave and honest and true to himself.
Remember always I am your father, and never hesitate to tell me whenever
you are in trouble, or danger, or--and I hope this won't often be--in
disgrace. See here," said he, drawing me forth, "this is a watch which
your mother and I have got for you. Think of us when you use it; and
mind this, Charlie, make the best use of time, or time will become your
enemy."

The poor man faltered out these words with a half-broken heart, as he
handed me to his son.

The boy's eyes brightened and his face became radiant at the sight of
his unexpected treasure. What boy does not covet a watch of his own at
some time or other?

"Oh, father!" he cried, "how good and kind of you! What a beauty!"

The father smiled to see his son's delight, and helped to fasten the
chain to his button-hole.

"You and mother are bricks!" exclaimed Charlie, feasting his eyes upon
me, and half wild with delight. "How _did_ you know I was longing to
have one?"

"Were you?" inquired the father.

"Of course I was, and you knew