's you fellows who have
all the money.'

'Do you think so?' answered Scheffer; and he began to collect his goods
again, and to pack them in separate boxes. He was careful, however, to
throw aside the pair that had tempted Mitchell to confess a truth.

At last, when the counter was cleared, he took the boots, and said to
the boy, pointing to one of the sofas:

'Sit down there, my man.'

Paul did as bidden. Scheffer untied his shoestring, drew off the dusty,
worn-out shoe, and tried the pair in his hand. The fit was perfect.

Then Scheffer looked up, and, without rising, asked:

'How long have you to study before you graduate?'

'Five years.'

'Why do you speak in that way?'

'How did I speak?' asked Paul.

'Discouraged like.'

'You're mistaken.'

'Am I? Then why look so solemn? I'd like your chance.'

'You would!' exclaimed Paul, incredulous. 'Why, you had such a chance
yourself once, and you didn't accept it, if they know the facts at
home.'

Scheffer stood up.

'Who says that?' he asked, quietly. Still, the question had a hurried
sound to Paul. '_Did_ any one in that house remember!'

'Josephine told me so. She thinks you made a wise choice. So do I. I
wish I was as well off as you are, doing something for a support. And it
was on account of your mother you made the choice! But my mother insists
on my having a profession. Stuff! But nobody seems satisfied. That's one
kind of consolation.'

Scheffer was silent for a moment. Half of Paul's words were unheard; but
enough had struck through sense to spirit, and he said:

'Do you want to be shod for the next five years? I'll strike a bargain
with you, Paul.'

'What can I do for you?' asked the astonished lad.

'I'll tell you, and if you don't like it, why, no matter--that's all.'
And Scheffer added, in an earnest tone: 'I don't know but it's living
near the college, hearing the bell ring, and seeing the fellows with
their books, has bewitched me; any way, I'm thinking I must have an
education, and I wish to get it systematically. I always thought I could
have it when I chose; but if I don't bestir myself, I shall not be able
to choose much longer.'

August wiped his forehead as he spoke; but he had said it. Gravely,
anxiously he looked at Paul. He could have forgiven him even a smile.
But Paul did not smile. Neither did he hesitate too long to rob his
words of grace.

'What will you study?' he asked.

'Whatever you set me at.'

'Latin?'