number of the _March
Hare_ and bring it over to the _Echo_ office. I'll see that one of our
staff gives you a lesson on how to get it into form. Have you a
typewriter?"

"No, sir."

"Know how to run one?"

"No."

"That's unlucky. We don't like to handle copy that isn't typed. It's too
hard on the eyes and takes us too long. However, we must make the best
of it, I suppose. Only be sure to write plainly and on but one side of
the paper; and do not fold or roll your sheets. That is one thing no
publisher will stand for--rolled manuscript. Remember that."

"I will, sir."

"I guess that's all for now. Good night, youngster."

"Good night, sir."

Although the leave-taking was curt it was not unkind and Paul returned
home with a feeling that in spite of what he had heard of Mr. Carter's
character he neither feared nor disliked the gruff man; in fact, in the
sharp-eyed visage there was actually something that appealed. To his
surprise the lad found himself rather liking Mr. Carter.

CHAPTER V

PAUL GIVES THANKS FOR HIS BLESSINGS

When Paul came into the house that afternoon his father called to him
from the little den off the hall.

"Come here a moment, son," he cried. "I've something to show you."

The boy hurried forward, all curiosity. He found his father seated
before a desk on which was spread an old manuscript, brightened here and
there by letters of blue or scarlet.

"Strangely enough, Mr. Jordan, the curio collector, was in my office
to-day and had this treasure with him. When I mentioned that I should
like to have you see it, immediately, in most generous fashion, he
suggested that I bring it home and show it to you. It is almost
priceless and of course I demurred; but he insisted. He had just bought
it at an auction in New York and was, I fancy, glad to find some one who
was interested and would appreciate it. It is not complete; if it were
it would be very valuable. It is just a few stray sheets from an ancient
psalter. Nevertheless its workmanship is exquisite and it is well worth
owning. Notice the beautiful lettering."

Paul bent over the vellum pages. The manuscript, now spotted by age, was
marvelously penned, being written evenly and with extreme care in Latin
characters.

"Were all the old books written in Latin?" he inquired with surprise.

Mr. Cameron nodded.

"Yes, and not only were the first manuscripts and books phrased in Latin
but most of the very early printed books wer