hen I am on duty. I shall buy a lot of dime
novels, and that will fill up the time."

"How do you like the real estate business?"

"Oh, so-so. I guess I'll like being a telephone boy better."

"Andrew, you may go round with James, and he will give you a little idea
of your duties," said Mr. Crawford. "James, you can go to the post
office now."

"All right, sir."

"I hope you will soon get another place."

"I have got one already, sir."

"Indeed! I am very glad."

"I am to be a telephone boy."

"I wish you success."

As they walked to the post office together, James remarked:

"Mr. Crawford is a nice man, but I guess I don't hustle enough for him."

"I think I can hustle," said Andy.

"Then you'll suit him."

On Saturday night, when James was paid his salary, he received five
dollars extra as a present. Andy thought this very kind and considerate
on the part of his new employer. To his surprise he, too, was paid half
a week's salary--something he did not expect.

CHAPTER XXII.

JOHN CRANDALL SEEKS TO INJURE ANDY

Though Simon Rich had succeeded in reinstating his nephew in the store
in place of Andy, he was not altogether happy. John Crandall was
naturally lazy and inefficient, and his temporary discharge did not seem
to have improved him.

When sent out on errands he loitered, and had more than once put his
uncle to considerable inconvenience. He obliged to admit to himself that
Andy had been more satisfactory.

In the midst of this experience John preferred a request to have his
salary raised a dollar a week.

"You know very well that I have no authority to raise your wages," said
his uncle, sharply.

"Why not, Uncle Simon? You have taken me back on your own authority."

"And I begin to think that I have made a great mistake."

"Perhaps you'd like to have the country boy back again?"

"I am not sure but I would. He did not stay away so long on errands as
you do."

"I wonder what he is doing?" said John, starting off on a new tack. "I
don't suppose he can get a new place."

"If you see him, you might ask him to call," said Simon Rich.

"Why?" asked John, suspiciously.

"I may discharge you and take him back."

"In that case, I will tell Mr. Flint about pawning the watch."

Simon Rich looked at his nephew with anger, mingled with dismay. He
began to see, now, that to a certain extent he had put himself in John's
power.

"You treacherous young rascal, I have a great mind t