He was always a harum-scarum fellow, good-natured, but lazy
and heedless. I wish I could do him a good turn. I have been so
prospered that I could afford to help him along if I could only find
him."

But months and years passed, and there were no tidings of Sam.

One day as Henry was engaged at his desk, a young man entered the
counting-room. He was handsomely dressed, with a bright, intelligent
look, and the appearance of one who was on good terms with the world.
He glanced inquiringly at Henry, and then said: "Am I speaking to Mr.
Henry Martin?"

"Yes, sir," said young Martin, politely. "What can I do for you?"

"I believe I used to know you, Mr. Martin," said Sam, smiling; for it
was our old friend, the young outlaw.

"I beg your pardon," said Henry Martin; "I must apologize for my poor
memory, but I cannot recall your face."

"I should have known you at once," said Sam. "You have the same
sedate, grave manner that you had when a boy."

"Did you know me as a boy?" asked Henry, puzzled.

"Slightly," answered Sam, smiling again. "I used to room with you."

"You are not Sam Barker!" exclaimed Henry, in the deepest
astonishment.

"Who says I am not?" said Sam.

Henry Martin jumped from his stool, and grasped Sam's hands
cordially.

"I see it now," he said. "There is the same look, though you are five
years older. I am delighted to see you, Sam. Where have you been all
these years?"

"In and near Boston," answered Sam.

"You look as if you had prospered."

"I have. I am bookkeeper for a Boston merchant, with a handsome
salary."

"Where on earth did you pick up bookkeeping?" asked Henry, in
continued amazement.

"I studied under a private tutor for two or three years," answered
Sam, enjoying his perplexity. "I have only been in business two
years."

"Didn't it make your head ache?" asked Henry, slyly.

"It did at first, but I got over that after a while."

"I can't understand it at all, Sam. It seems like a romance. I never
thought you would turn out like this."

"Nor I, Henry. But it is a long story. Come and see me this evening at
the St. Nicholas, and I will tell you all. I must leave you now, as I
have a little business to attend to."

That evening Henry and Sam met at the hotel, and each told his story,
to the deep interest of the other.

"You have been very lucky, Sam," said Henry, at the end. "I never
supposed you would reform so completely and thoroughly. You were a
pretty hard case