above all the others.

"Now!" shouted Mopsey; and then the cheers were given with a will that
startled the officers of the ship into looking around to see what
distinguished passengers they had on board.

Then Paul waved his hat, the boys cheered again, and the ship was so
far out into the stream that no more courtesies could be exchanged.

* * * * *

It is now two years since Paul Weston started for Europe, and he is
expected home in a few weeks, as Ben or Johnny will tell you in case
you should make inquiries. In that time very many gradual but not
startling changes have been made in those boys whom we left in New
York; therefore it may be assumed that Paul has also changed
considerably, and in all probability for the better.

[Illustration: "THREE CHEERS FOR POLLY!"]

Ben, Johnny, and Dickey are still in business in the same place that
Mr. Weston purchased for them, but one would hardly recognize the
dirty, ragged boys whom Paul first met, in the neat, gentlemanly
little tradesmen who are so courteous to their patrons, and so prompt
in all their business transactions. That they did study, as Ben told
Paul they would, is shown by their manner of speaking, their accounts,
which are kept in the most precise order, and their general
information when one enters into conversation with them.

And their business has improved quite as much as they have. By strict
attention to it, and by integrity in all their dealings, they have
gained new customers so fast that they are now obliged to use every
available inch of space; and they intend to hire the next store,
making the two into one large shop, as soon as Mr. Weston comes home
to advise with them regarding it.

They still board with Mrs. Green; she has gone out of the fruit
business now entirely, has moved into the dwelling directly over their
store, and does nothing but attend to her boarders. Nelly, when she is
not at school, acts as clerk for the boys, and is very useful to the
firm during the rush of morning and evening trade.

Mopsey has gone out of the theatrical business altogether. He gave two
more performances, but they were not as great successes as he had
fancied they would be, and required more of his time than he could
afford to give. He has given up both play writing and acting, very
much to the benefit of his legitimate business. He still sells
pea-nuts at Fulton Ferry, and has capital enough to start on a larger
scale