hap through generally. His mother
don't seem to know he's out. Don't mind a few dollars: you understand?
And recollect, pump him dry.'

'Dry as a sandbank,' said Hill, who was already chuckling over the sport
in prospect.

Mr. Joslin continued his instructions, which, as they were of a strictly
private nature, we should be violating confidence to record.

Hiram occupied himself the remainder of the day in looking about the
town. He took one of Brower's omnibuses and rode to the end of the route
in Broadway, opposite Bond street. Here he descended and retraced his
steps. Broadway was then the general promenade. Hiram's pulse beat quick
as he gazed on the beauty and fashion of the metropolis moving
magnificently along. Susceptible as he was, he had never before been so
impressed with female charms. He thought of the belles of Hampton and
Burnsville with a species of disgust. His own costume, which he regarded
as so perfect, he perceived had a provincial, country look, when
contrasted with that of the gentlemen he encountered. Now in business
matters, Hiram was as much at home and as self-possessed in New York as
in Connecticut. But when it came to the display he now beheld, he felt
and acknowledged his inferiority.

Here Hiram _was_ green. He did not stop to reflect that fine feathers
make fine birds, so suddenly was he confronted with the glittering
panorama. He continued to mingle with the crowd which swept along, and
sometimes the blood would rush swiftly to his brain, causing him to
reel, as dark eyes would be turned languidly on him, exhibiting, as he
was ready to believe, an incipient interest in his destiny.

Below Canal street the character of the current began to change, till
gradually Hiram was freed from the exciting trial he had been subjected
to. He collected his thoughts and brought his mind back to his work--and
his work Hiram Meeker never neglected. Slowly the old current drove out
the new. Gradually his mind returned to its even tenor. He walked
through the custom house. He entered the exchange. He visited the
shipping; and when he got back to the hotel, he was tired and hungry
enough. But, tired and hungry as he was, he proceeded at once to open
his valise and take out a bundle of papers. Glancing over certain
account sales, his eye fell on the name of HILL as purchaser. A
peculiar gleam of satisfaction passed over his face as he replaced the
papers in his valise and went down to dinner.

CHAPTE