f the two. "I have a
good mind to buy it."

"It won't cost much," said Jeff. "Only twenty-five cents. But I like
that one better."

"If you buy one, I will."

"All right," said Jeff, whose full name was Jefferson. "We can wear them
to dancing-school this afternoon."

So the two boys bought a necktie, and this, in addition to previous
sales, made six sold during the morning.

"I hope I shall do as well as I did yesterday," thought Paul. "If I
can make nine shillings every day I won't complain. It is better than
selling prize-packages."

Paul seemed likely to obtain his wish, since at twelve o'clock, when he
returned home to dinner, he had sold ten ties, making rather more than
half of the previous day's sales.

Mrs. Hoffman had been out once more, but met with no better success than
before. There seemed to be no room anywhere for a new hand. At several
places she had seen others, out of employment like herself, who were
also in quest of work. The only encouragement she received was that
probably in a month or six weeks business might so far improve that she
could obtain work. But to Mrs. Hoffman it was a serious matter to remain
idle even four weeks. She reflected that Paul's present employment was
only temporary, and that he would be forced to give up his post as
soon as George Barry should recover his health, which probably would
be within a week or two. She tried in vain to think of some temporary
employment, and determined, in case she should be unsuccessful in the
afternoon, which she hardly anticipated, to consult Paul what she had
better do.

Paul noticed when he came in that his mother looked more sober and
thoughtful than usual.

"Have you a headache, mother?" he inquired.

"No, Paul," she said, smiling faintly.

"Something troubles you, I am sure," continued Paul.

"You are right, Paul," said Mrs. Hoffman, "though I didn't mean to tell
you till evening."

"What is it?" asked Paul, anxiously.

"When I carried back the last shirts I made for Duncan & Co., they told
me I couldn't have any more for a month or six weeks."

"That will give you some time to rest, mother," said Paul, who wanted to
keep back his good news for a while.

"But I can't afford to rest, Paul."

"You forget that I am earning money, mother. I am sure I can earn a
dollar a day."

"I know you are a good, industrious boy, Paul, and I don't know how we
should get along without you. But it is necessary for me to do my part,