he would come back," said the major. "I would take him back."

"I dare say he's had a hard time and would be humbler now," said
Oscar.

At this moment a knock was heard at the door, and just afterward Joe
entered.

He wore a mixed suit considerably the worse for wear and patched in
two or three places. There was a rip under the arm, and his hat, a
soft felt one, had become shapeless from long and apparently hard
usage. He stood in the doorway, waiting for recognition.

"How do you do, Joe?" said Major Norton cordially. "I am glad to see
you."

Joe's face lighted up.

"Thank you, sir," he said.

"Shake hands, Joe."

Major Norton was mean in money matters, but he had something of the
gentleman about him.

Oscar held aloof.

"How do you do, Oscar?"

"I'm well," said Oscar. "Have you been to California?"

"Yes."

"You don't seem to have made your fortune," said Oscar
superciliously, eying Joe's shabby clothing.

"I haven't starved," said Joe.

"Where did you get that suit of clothes?" asked Oscar.

"I hope you'll excuse my appearance," said Joe.

"Well, Joe, do you want to come back to your old place?" asked Major
Norton. "I've got a boy, but he doesn't suit me."

"How much would you be willing to pay me, Major Norton?"

The major coughed.

"Well," said he, "I gave you your board and clothes before. That's
pretty good pay for a boy."

"I'm older now."

"I'll do the same by you, Joe, and give you fifty cents a week
besides."

"Thank you for the offer, Major Norton. I'll take till to-morrow to
think of it."

"You'd better accept it now," said Oscar. "Beggars shouldn't be
choosers."

"I am not a beggar, Oscar," said Joe mildly.

"You look like one, anyway," said Oscar bluntly.

"Oscar," said Major Norton, "if Joe has been unlucky, you shouldn't
throw it in his teeth."

"He went off expecting to make his fortune," said Oscar, in an
exulting tone. "He looks as if he had made it. Where are you going?"

"I am going to look about the village a little. I will call again."

After Joe went out Oscar said:

"It does me good to see Joe come in rags. Serves him right for
putting on airs."

On the main street Joe met Annie Raymond.

"Why, Joe!" she exclaimed, delighted. "Is it really you?"

"Bad pennies always come back," said Joe.

"Have you---- I am afraid you have not been fortunate," said the
young lady, hesitating as she noticed Joe's shabby clothes.

"Do you think l