will
instruct you a little in your duties between now and the time of your
departure. I should myself like to go in your stead, but I am needed
here. There are, of course, others in my employ, older than yourself,
whom I might send, but I have an idea that you will prove to be a good
salesman."

"I will try to be, sir."

On Monday morning Carl left Milford, reached New York in two hours and
a half and, in accordance with the directions of Mr. Jennings, engaged
passage and a stateroom on one of the palatial night lines of Hudson
River steamers to Albany. The boat was well filled with passengers, and
a few persons were unable to procure staterooms.

Carl, however, applied in time, and obtained an excellent room. He
deposited his gripsack therein, and then took a seat on deck, meaning to
enjoy as long as possible the delightful scenery for which the Hudson
is celebrated. It was his first long journey, and for this reason Carl
enjoyed it all the more. He could not but contrast his present position
and prospects with those of a year ago, when, helpless and penniless, he
left an unhappy home to make his own way.

"What a delightful evening!" said a voice at his side.

Turning, Carl saw sitting by him a young man of about thirty, dressed in
somewhat pretentious style and wearing eyeglasses. He was tall and thin,
and had sandy side whiskers.

"Yes, it is a beautiful evening," replied Carl, politely.

"And the scenery is quite charming. Have you ever been all the way up
the river?"

"No, but I hope some day to take a day trip."

"Just so. I am not sure but I prefer the Rhine, with its romantic
castles and vineclad hills."

"Have you visited Europe, then?" asked Carl.

"Oh, yes, several times. I have a passion for traveling. Our family is
wealthy, and I have been able to go where I pleased."

"That must be very pleasant."

"It is. My name is Stuyvesant--one of the old Dutch families."

Carl was not so much impressed, perhaps, as he should have been by this
announcement, for he knew very little of fashionable life in New York.

"You don't look like a Dutchman," he said, smiling.

"I suppose you expected a figure like a beer keg," rejoined Stuyvesant,
laughing. "Some of my forefathers may have answered that description,
but I am not built that way. Are you traveling far?"

"I may go as far as Chicago."

"Is anyone with you?"

"No."

"Perhaps you have friends in Chicago?"

"Not that I am aware of. I am tr