or finds it quite impossible to write a story without a
boat, which also involves the necessity of a broad sheet of water, or a
long river. In this, as in its predecessors, evil-minded characters are
introduced, to show the contrast between vice and virtue; but the hero,
in whom the sympathies of the reader are supposed to be centred, is
still faithful to his Christian duties, still reads his Bible, and
"prays without ceasing."

Young and old are injured only by the precept and example of those whom
they love, respect, or admire; and the writer has no fear that his
readers will love, respect, or admire Charles Whippleton or Ben
Waterford, or that they will fail to condemn their errors and their
vices. The author hopes and expects that his young friends, while they
follow Phil in his exciting experience in the counting-room, and in the
"Marian" on Lake Michigan, will love and respect his virtues as well as
his courage and resolution.

HARRISON SQUARE, BOSTON,

June 7, 1870.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

CHAPTER I.
IN WHICH PHIL HAS A TALK WITH HIS FATHER, AND REVIEWS
HIS PAST HISTORY. 11

CHAPTER II.
IN WHICH PHIL STARTS FOR CHICAGO, AND HEARS A FAMILIAR
NAME. 22

CHAPTER III.
IN WHICH PHIL MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF MRS. WHIPPLETON. 33

CHAPTER IV.
IN WHICH PHIL IS CHIVALROUS, BUT HAS HIS EYES OPENED. 44

CHAPTER V.
IN WHICH PHIL TAKES A ROOM AT MRS. WHIPPLETON'S
BOARDING-HOUSE. 56

CHAPTER VI.
IN WHICH PHIL IS ENGAGED AS ENTRY CLERK FOR COLLINGSBY
AND WHIPPLETON. 67

CHAPTER VII.
IN WHICH PHIL TAKES HIS PLACE AT THE DESK, AND IS ENGAGED
FOR A YEAR. 79

CHAPTER VIII.
IN WHICH PHIL TAKES A SAIL ON THE LAKE WITH MR. WHIPPLETON. 90

CHAPTER IX.
IN WHICH PHIL ATTEMPTS TO MAKE OUT A TRIAL BALANCE. 102

CHAPTER X.
IN WHICH PHIL IS PERPLEXED ABOUT CERTAIN INVOICES. 113

CHAPTER XI.
IN WHICH PHIL TAKES CHARGE OF MRS. WHIPPLETON'S EARTHLY
TREASURE. 124

CHAPTER XII.
IN WHICH PHIL VISITS THE HOUSE OF MR. COLLINGSBY, AND SEES
MISS MARIAN