"It is a good deal for a boy in your circumstances to save," said Mr.
Hamilton, with emphasis. "How much do I pay you?"

"Five dollars a week."

"I suppose you consider that small pay?"

Henry smiled.

"Any addition will be acceptable," he answered; "but I don't complain
of it."

"It shall be raised to seven at once," said the merchant.

"Thank you, sir," said Henry, his face showing the delight he felt.
"You are very kind. I shall feel quite rich now."

"I suppose you will now live in a little better style," suggested Mr.
Hamilton.

"I don't think I shall, sir. I shall increase my savings."

"That is well. I commend your self-denial and prudence. How much
interest does the savings-bank pay you?"

"Six per cent., sir."

"I will propose a different investment. I am about to send a cargo of
goods to Rotterdam. The venture will, I think, prove a paying one.
Would you like to join in it?"

Henry stared at his employer in surprise. How could he, a boy with
thirty-five dollars capital, join in such an enterprise?

"I don't see how I can," he replied. "I am afraid you take me for a
capitalist."

"So you are," said his employer. "Have you not money in the bank?"

Henry smiled.

"I don't think that will go very far," he said.

"Perhaps not, and, therefore, if you are going to take part in my
venture, I suggest that you borrow five hundred dollars."

Henry was surprised once more. He began to think Mr. Hamilton was out
of his head. Yet he did not look so. On the contrary, as he smiled
kindly upon Henry, he looked what he was, a shrewd, kindly,
long-headed man of business. Still, he had just advised an almost
penniless boy to borrow five hundred dollars.

"I don't know anybody that would lend me so much money," said Henry.

"Why don't you apply to me?" suggested his employer.

"Would you lend me five hundred dollars?" asked the boy, in surprise.

"Am I to regard that as an application?" inquired Mr. Hamilton.

"Yes, sir," said Henry, "if you think it well for me to borrow it."

"Then I answer yes, upon conditions. First, let me explain why I
advise you to borrow. I have little doubt that you will find the
venture a profitable one. Next, you may place your savings-bank book
in my hands as security. Thirty-five dollars will pay a year's
interest on the five hundred dollars I lend you; so my interest is
secure."

"But suppose the speculation shouldn't pay, Mr. Hamilton?"

"As to that, I know so mu