ried path before us, the probable events of
the next few years, the fair home so recently torn from us, the
possibility of regaining possession of it through our efforts, and
re-establishing ourselves in that station where we have ever moved. We
must do this, Guly, for our mother's sake."

"With God's help we will."

Again Arthur's clasp tightened round his brother's figure, and again for
a few moments he was silent; then suddenly resuming he said: "You must
strive to make a good impression on Mr. Delancey, Guly; don't be timid
or shrinking--such things have a bad effect. Be every inch a man, as you
so well know how to be; bear always in mind how much depends on us two,
and we shall get on bravely." It was evident Arthur dreaded more for his
brother than he thought of for himself.

"I dread the meeting," returned Guly; "from the tone of his letter I
learned to dread the man, and a boy-novice, as I am, in mercantile
business, I shrink from the examination I may have to undergo, while
you, with your experience, of course, scarce give it a thought. I have
pictured Mr. Delancey as a very stern man."

They put themselves and their baggage into a cab, and at length brought
up before a large and brilliantly lighted store, with the name
"Delancey," in gilt block letters over the door. The cabman set the
trunks which comprised the brothers' baggage, within, and pocketing his
fare, drove off, leaving the youthful strangers standing upon the stage
of their young future, waiting for fate to ring the curtain up.

In a short time a tall, heavily built young man, with a fine eye and
pleasant smile, stepped between them, with an interrogative expression
on his countenance, which asked, without the aid of any words, what
might be their business; and Arthur replied that they desired to see Mr.
Delancey as soon as possible.

The young man glanced at the trunk, and then at Guly's face, and
ejaculating an "Ah, yes!" as if he had suddenly jumped at a conclusion,
asked--this time putting his question into words--if they were the young
chaps Mr. Delancey was looking for from the North; "because," said he,
"if you are, I can settle you."

Guly replied that they were the same; and informed him they were not a
little fatigued with their recent journey, and would be pleased to be
"settled" as soon as convenient.

The clerk, whose name was Wilkins, regarded Guly attentively a moment,
then smiled pleasantly, and said: "You are to sleep in t