ices are down just at present. You can go for a hundred
dollars--second cabin."

"It might as well be a thousand!" said Luke. "Clapp and I can't
raise a hundred dollars apiece to save our lives."

"I'll tell you what," said Kensington. "You two fellows are just the
company I'd like. If I can raise five hundred dollars out of the old
girl, I'll take you along with me, and you can pay me after you get
out there."

John Clapp and Luke Harrison were astounded at this liberal offer
from a perfect stranger, but they had no motives of delicacy about
accepting it. They grasped the hand of their new friend, and assured
him that nothing would suit them so well.

"All right!" said Kensington. "Then it's agreed. Now, boys, suppose
we go round to the tavern, and ratify our compact by a drink."

"I say amen to that," answered Clapp, "but I insist on standing
treat."

"Just as you say," said Kensington. "Come along."

It was late when the three parted company. Luke and John Clapp were
delighted with their new friend, and, as they staggered home with
uncertain steps, they indulged in bright visions of future prosperity.

CHAPTER XVII.

AUNT DEBORAH.

Miss Deborah Kensington sat in an old-fashioned rocking-chair covered
with a cheap print, industriously engaged in footing a stocking. She
was a maiden lady of about sixty, with a thin face, thick seamed with
wrinkles, a prominent nose, bridged by spectacles, sharp gray eyes,
and thin lips. She was a shrewd New England woman, who knew very
well how to take care of and increase the property which she had
inherited. Her nephew had been correctly informed as to her being
close-fisted. All her establishment was carried on with due regard
to economy, and though her income in the eyes of a city man would be
counted small, she saved half of it every year, thus increasing her
accumulations.

As she sat placidly knitting, an interruption came in the shape of a
knock at the front door.

"I'll go myself," she said, rising, and laying down the stocking.
"Hannah's out in the back room, and won't hear. I hope it aint Mrs.
Smith, come to borrow some butter. She aint returned that last
half-pound she borrowed. She seems to think her neighbors have got
to support her."

These thoughts were in her mind as she opened the door. But no Mrs.
Smith presented her figure to the old lady's gaze. She saw instead,
with considerable surprise, a stylish young man with a book u