gether too large," said a brisk-looking man, eying him
rapidly. "We want a boy of twelve."

"Can't I do as much as a boy of twelve?" asked Sam.

"Probably you can. Do you reside with your parents?"

"No, sir."

"Where do you live?"

"I board on Harrison Avenue."

"How much do you pay for board?"

"Seven dollars a week."

"Have you any means of your own?"

"No."

"Then you don't want a situation with us. We give only three dollars a
week."

By this time Sam began to feel a little despondent.

There were situations for small girls and small boys, but none for
him.

"Why didn't I stay a small boy?" he reflected.

But, after all, it is a question whether three dollars would defray
the expenses of even a small boy.

"Boston don't seem to be much of a business place, after all," thought
Sam; but, perhaps, it was hardly fair to draw such a conclusion from
his own failure to procure a situation. Sam made one or two more
ineffectual applications, which did not tend to improve his spirits.
As he came out of the last one, he saw, to his great joy, Julia
Stockton passing by. She recognized him at the same moment.

"Good-morning, Mr. Barker," she said, frankly, holding out her hand.
"Are you out shopping this morning?"

"It'll be some time before I go shopping," said Sam.

"Why so?"

"I had all my money stolen last night."

"You did! What a shame! Tell me all about it," said Julia,
sympathizingly.

Sam told his story, the young lady showing her warm sympathy in her
expressive face.

"How will you get along without money?" she asked.

"I must get a place right off," said Sam.

"If--if you wouldn't mind," said Julia, in an embarrassed tone, "I
have five dollars that I have no use for. Won't you let me lend it to
you?"

Sam, to his credit be it spoken, declined the tempting proposal.

"I am just as much obliged to you, Miss Julia," he said, "but I can
get along somehow. I have got my board paid for a week in advance, and
something will turn up in that time, I am sure."

"Won't you take it, then? I really don't need it," said Julia,
earnestly.

"If I get very hard up, I'll remember your kind offer," said Sam.

"You'll be sure to do it, Sam?"

"Yes, I'll be sure."

"I must bid you good-morning now," said Julia. "I'm going into
Loring's Library to get a new book. Here it is, close by. I am glad I
met you."

"Thank you," said Sam.

"Don't forget to call at the house. Mamma will be glad to see