although he proved plainly he was aware of his position
and prospects, showed no inclination to be stiff or unfriendly with his
new associates. On the contrary, he took a good deal of trouble to make
himself agreeable, and succeeded so well that in less than a week
Doubleday pronounced him "not such a cad as he might be," which was very
great praise from him.

Jack Smith, however, was irreconcilable. He seemed to have an
instinctive dislike to his old schoolfellow, and resented the least
approach on his part to friendliness. It was in vain I argued with him
and urged him.

"I'm sure he's civil enough," I said.

"I'm glad to hear it."

"Why ever are you so down on him? I'm sure he would only be too glad to
be friendly."

"I don't like him," said Jack.

"At any rate," said I, "you need not take so much trouble to make an
enemy of him. Some day you may be sorry for it."

Jack did not answer, and I saw it was no use pursuing the unpleasant
topic. But I was vexed with him. Why should he consider himself better
than all of us who had accepted the proffered friendship of our new
comrade?

"Young Batch," said Doubleday one morning about a week after
Hawkesbury's arrival, "come up to my diggings this evening. The other
fellows are coming up, and the new boss too."

This was rather an awkward question, as since Jack's return I had not
gone out, and I imagined every one would conclude it was no use inviting
me without him.

"I know what you're going to say," said Doubleday, noticing my
hesitation. "You'll ask Bull's-eye's leave, and then tell me. Here,
Bull's-eye, Smith--whatever your name is--I want young Batch to come up
to supper with me this evening, and like a dutiful boy he says he can't
come till you give him leave. What do you say?"

"Don't be an ass, Doubleday!" I cried, quite ashamed and confused to
stand by and hear Smith thus appealed to. "I--I'm afraid I can't come
this evening."

"Previous engagement?" said Doubleday, with a wink.

"No," I said; "I'm going for a walk with Smith."

"I'm going to stay here late to-night," said Jack, quietly, "I want to
catch up some work." I wished I knew what he meant by it. "All serene!
then the young 'un can come to us, can't he?" said Doubleday.

"Thanks," said I, not appearing to notice that the question was
addressed to Smith.

My decision appeared to afford much amusement to the other clerks.

"Landed at last!" said Doubleday, mopping his fa