g
too stout, and ought to take more or less exercise in the open air. So I
am trying to follow his advice."

"Are you in business near here, sir?"

"At a large town six miles distant. I may not walk all the way there,
but I have a place to call at near by, and thought I would avail myself
of the good chance offered to take a little exercise. I feel repaid. I
have made a pleasant acquaintance."

"Thank you, sir."

"There is my card," and the little man took out a business card, reading
thus:

HENRY JENNINGS, FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, MILFORD.

"I manufacture my furniture in the country," he continued, "but I ship
it by special arrangements to a house in New York in which I am also
interested."

"Yes, sir, I see. Do you employ many persons in your establishment?"

"About thirty."

"Do you think you could make room for me?"

"Do you think you would like the business?"

"I am prepared to like any business in which I can make a living."

"That is right. That is the way to look at it. Let me think."

For two minutes Mr. Jennings seemed to be plunged in thought. Then he
turned and smiled encouragingly.

"You can come home with me," he said, "and I will consider the matter."

"Thank you, sir," said Carl, gladly.

"I have got to make a call at the next house, not on business, though.
There is an old schoolmate lying there sick. I am afraid he is rather
poor, too. You can walk on slowly, and I will overtake you in a few
minutes."

"Thank you, sir."

"After walking half a mile, if I have not overtaken you, you may sit
down under a tree and wait for me."

"All right, sir."

"Before I leave you I will tell you a secret."

"What is it, sir?"

"The two dollars you picked up, I dropped on purpose."

"On purpose?" asked Carl, in amazement.

"Yes; I wanted to try you, to see if you were honest."

"Then you had noticed me?"

"Yes. I liked your appearance, but I wanted to test you."

CHAPTER XIII.

AN UNEQUAL CONTEST.

Carl walked on slowly. He felt encouraged by the prospect of work, for
he was sure that Mr. Jennings would make a place for him, if possible.

"He is evidently a kind-hearted man," Carl reflected. "Besides, he
has been poor himself, and he can sympathize with me. The wages may be
small, but I won't mind that, if I only support myself economically,
and get on." To most boys brought up in comfort, not to say luxury, the
prospect of working hard for small pay would not have seemed inv