which he was evidently making
extracts. The thin hair hung over his forehead as if restless fingers had
ploughed carelessly through it, and, as he kept one finger on a half-copied
paragraph, the cold blue eye said very plainly, "This is a busy time with
me; despatch your errand at once."

"Good morning, Mr. Campbell; are you particularly engaged?"

"How-d'ye-do, Aubrey. I am generally engaged; confoundedly busy this
morning. What do you want?"

His pen resumed its work, but he turned his head as if to listen.

"I will call again when you are at leisure," said Russell, turning away.

"That will be--next month--next year; in fine, postponing your visit
indefinitely. Sit down--somewhere--well--clear those books into a corner,
and let's hear your business. I am at your service for ten minutes--talk
fast."

He put his pen behind his ear, crossed his arms on the desk, and looked
expectant.

"I came here to ask whether you wished to employ anyone in your office."

"And what the deuce do you suppose I want with an office lad like yourself?
I tried that experiment to my perfect satisfaction a few months ago. Is
that all?"

"That is all, sir."

The boy rose, but the bitter look that crossed his face as he glanced at
the well-filled book-shelves arrested the lawyer's attention, and he
added--

"Why did you leave Watson, young man? It is a bad plan to change about in
this style."

"I was expelled from my situation on a foul and most unjust accusation."

"Let's hear the whole business; sit down."

Without hesitation he narrated all the circumstances, once or twice pausing
to still the tempest of passion that flashed from his eyes. While he spoke,
Mr. Campbell's keen eyes searched him from head to foot, and at the
conclusion he said--

"I see fate has thumped none of your original obstinacy out of you. Aubrey,
suppose I shut my eyes to the watch transaction, and take you into my
office?"

"If so, I shall do my duty faithfully. But you said you did not need anyone
here, and though I am anxious to find work, I do not expect or desire to be
taken in from charity. I intend to earn my wages, sir, and from your own
account I should judge you had very little use for an assistant."

"Humph! a bountiful share of pride along with prodigious obstinacy. Though
I am a lawyer, I told you the truth; I have no earthly use for such
assistants as I have been plagued with for several years. In the main,
office-boys are a nuisance