ght a friend with me.--Jake, come in."

And then Bradley was introduced to Job and his wife, and was cordially
welcomed by both.

"You're lucky to come while we've got a home to welcome you to," said
Job, his face again saddening.

"Why, Uncle Job, you're not thinking of selling the house, are you?"

Then the whole story came out.

Ben listened attentively, and when his uncle had finished he said, "That
Richmond is a first-class rascal."

"And I'd like to give him a first-class kick," said Bradley,
indignantly.

"That wouldn't mend matters," said Job, shaking his head. "It wouldn't
pay off the mortgage."

"You say the mortgage amounts to five hundred dollars, Uncle Job?"

"Yes. Then there's six months' interest, at six per cent., makes fifteen
dollars more."

"When do you expect Major Sturgis to call?"

"This morning. It's almost time for him."

"I met Sam on my way here," said Ben. "He told me I'd come just in the
nick of time. I didn't know what he meant, but I know now."

"The major offers to buy the house, paying me two hundred and fifty
dollars over and above the note."

"Why, that's robbery!" said Ben, indignantly.

"So it is, Ben; but what can I do?"

"I think," said Ben, smiling, "you'd better borrow five hundred and
fifteen dollars of your rich nephew."

"What do you mean, Ben?" asked Job, in surprise.

"I mean this, Uncle Job--that I'll lend you the money to pay up this
shark."

"You don't mean to say you've got money enough?" ejaculated Uncle Job.

"Yes, I do, uncle, and a little over. I'll prove it to you."

He produced a wallet, from which he drew out five one-hundred-dollar
bills and three fives.

"Take them, uncle, and ask me questions afterward, for I see through the
window that the major is coming."

Indeed, a knock was heard directly, and Job, answering it himself,
ushered in the stately figure of Major Sturgis.

The major looked around him in surprise, finding more persons than he
expected to see.

"Don't you remember Ben, Major Sturgis?" asked Job.

"When did you come home, Benjamin," asked the major, taken by surprise.

"I have just arrived, sir."

"Tired of California, eh?"

"For the present, yes, sir."

"I think my son Sam wishes to see you. He thinks of offering you a
place."

Ben bowed and smiled. He understood what sort of a place Sam was likely
to offer.

"Well, Mr. Stanton," asked the major, pompously, "have you decided to
accept my offer for the ho