this evening."

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" said Jimmy.

"Sorry that George has got well? For shame, Jimmy!"

"No, I don't mean that, Paul. I am sorry you are out of work."

"I shall find plenty to do, Jimmy. Perhaps Mr. Stewart will take me in
as senior partner, if I ask him."

"I don't think he will," said Jimmy, laughing.

"Then perhaps I can get a few scholars in drawing. Can't you recommend
me?"

"I am afraid not, Paul, unless you have improved a good deal."

CHAPTER XIV

THE DIAMOND RING

Paul was up betimes the next morning. He had made up his mind for a
few days, at least, to sell newspapers, and it was necessary in this
business to begin the day early. He tool a dollar with him and invested
a part of it in a stock of dailies. He posted himself in Printing House
square, and began to look out for customers. Being an enterprising
boy, he was sure to meet with fair success in any business which he
undertook. So it happened that at ten o'clock he had sold out his stock
of papers, and realized a profit of fifty cents.

It was getting late for morning papers, and there was nothing left to do
till the issue of the first edition of the afternoon papers.

"I'll go down and see how George Barry is getting along," thought Paul.

He crossed Broadway and soon reached the familiar stand.

"How's business, George?" he inquired.

"Fair," said Barry. "I've sold four ties."

"How do you feel?"

"I'm not so strong as I was, yet. I get tired more easily. I don't think
I shall stay in this business long."

"You don't? What will you do then?"

"I've got a chance in Philadelphia, or I shall have by the first of the
month."

"What sort of a chance?"

"Mother got a letter yesterday from a cousin of hers who has a store
on Chestnut street. He offers to take me as a clerk, and give me ten
dollars a week at first, and more after a while."

"That's a good offer. I should like to get one like it."

"I'll tell you what, Paul, you'd better buy out my stand. You know how
to sell ties, and can make money."

"There's only one objection, George."

"What's that?"

"I haven't got any capital."

"It don't need much."

"How much?"

"I'll sell out all my stock at cost price."

"How much do you think there is?"

"About twenty-five dollars' worth. Then there is the frame, which is
worth, say ten dollars, making thirty-five in all. That isn't much."

"It's more than I've got. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll take it,