and
pay you five dollars down and the rest in one month."

"I would take your offer, Paul, but I need all the money how. It will be
expensive moving to Philadelphia and I shall want all I can get."

"I wish I could buy you out," said Paul, thoughtfully.

"Can't you borrow the money?"

"How soon do you want to give up?"

"It's the seventeenth now. I should like to get rid of it by the
twenty-second."

"I'll see what I can do. Just keep it for me till to-morrow."

"All right."

Paul walked home revolving in his mind this unexpected opportunity. He
had made, as George Barry's agent, a dollar a day, though he received
only half the profits. If he were himself the proprietor, and did
equally well, he could make twelve dollars a week. The calculation
almost took away his breath. Twelve dollars a week would make about
fifty dollars a month. It would enable him to contribute more to the
support of the family, and save up money besides. But the great problem
was, how to raise the necessary money. If Paul had been a railroad
corporation, he might have issued first mortgage bonds at a high rate
of interest, payable in gold, and negotiated them through some leading
banker. But he was not much versed in financial schemes, and therefore
was at a loss. The only wealthy friend he had was Mr. Preston, and he
did not like to apply to him till he had exhausted other ways and means.

"What makes you so sober, Paul?" asked his mother, as he entered the
room. "You are home early."

"Yes, I sold all my papers, and thought I would take an early dinner, so
as to be on hand in time for the first afternoon papers."

"Don't you feel well?"

"Tiptop; but I've had a good offer, and I'm thinking whether I can
accept it."

"What sort of an offer?"

"George Barry wants to sell out his stand."

"How much does he ask?"

"Thirty-five dollars."

"Is it worth that?"

"Yes, it's worth all that, and more, too. If I had it I could make two
dollars a day. But I haven't got thirty-five dollars."

"I can let you have nine, Paul. I had a little saved up, and I haven't
touched the money Mr. Preston paid me for the shirts."

"I've got five myself, but that will only make fourteen."

"Won't he wait for the rest?"

"No, he's going to Philadelphia early next week, and wants the whole in
cash."

"It would be a pity to lose such a good chance," said Mrs. Hoffman.

"That's what I think."

"You could soon save up the money on two dollars