us very badly."

"He has done wrong; but he is your father. Remember, Sam, I am
your friend, and if I can do anything for you I will."

"Thank you, James," he said. "You are a good fellow--much better
than I thought. I supposed you would be glad I was down in the
world."

Same was to be still more surprised. The next day he received the
following letter from Ben Bradford:

"Dear Sam: I am very sorry to hear of your misfortune. Of course,
no one can blame you or your mother. I believe I was the last
acquaintance to see your father before he left Boston. I had
occasion to go on board the Cunard steamer which sailed on
Wednesday. On the dock I met your father, and had a little
conversation with him. He did not tell me that he was going to
Europe; but he was in a traveling-dress and, no doubt, he was.

"What has happened will, no doubt, make some difference in your
plans. If you wish to get a situation in Boston, I may be able to
help you to one. At the beginning of next month there will be an
opening for a boy in an establishment on Milk Street. The wages
will not exceed five dollars a week; but it would be difficult for a
beginner to do better. If you wish, I will try to get this place for
you. At any rate, I hope you will regard me as a friend who wishes
you well. The little quarrel there has been between us is not worth
remembering.

"Your sincere friend,
"Benjamin Bradford."

To say that Sam was surprised to receive this cordial letter from a
boy whom he had so persistently tried to injure will hardly express
his feelings. He was overwhelmed with astonishment, mingled with
shame.

"Ben is a great deal better than I am," he was forced to admit. "I
don't deserve such a kindness from him."

He showed Ben's letter to his mother.

"I think I had better ask Ben to get me the place. We must not be
too proud."

"We have no right to be proud now. We shall have scarcely enough
to support us in the humblest manner."

"My wages will help. I shall get five dollars a week. That will be
two hundred and sixty dollars a year."

Even Mrs. Archer was surprised at the change in Sam.

"Do you think you will be willing to work?"

"Of course I shall; that is, if I can work in Boston. I don't want to
stay here."

"Nor I," said Mrs. Archer.

"Suppose we both go to Boston, then."

"I am afraid our income won't be sufficient."

"For two or three years you can spend some of your principal,
mot