e-meat and the pie-crust, the eggs and the
milk, the fruit and the spices, that were to be compounded into all
sorts of good things. The house was filled with savory odors from the
oven, and long rows of pies began to fill up every vacant space in the
closet. Mrs. Preston was busy, superintending the operations of the
household; while Alice and Ella rendered such assistance as they could,
in the chopping of pie-meat, the paring of apples, the picking of
raisins, &c. The boys, for their share, had an unusual number of
errands to run, to keep the busy hands inside supplied with working
materials. Oscar, however, was released for the week from all home
chores, in consideration of his engagements at the store.

Oscar did not find his duties as temporary store-boy quite so irksome
or disagreeable as he anticipated. The work was light, and the novelty
of it served to offset the confinement, which he had dreaded more than
anything else. With some assistance from Ralph, he managed to do all
that was required of him, and still have several hours each day for
play. He also had an opportunity to learn some useful lessons during
the week.

One morning, his father sent him up-stairs to sweep out a room which
was devoted to a certain branch of the business. Happening to go into
it an hour or two after, Mr. Preston observed that it was in a dirty
state, and called to Oscar to get a broom and sprinkler, and come up.

"I told you to sweep this room out," said he, as Oscar made his
appearance; "did you forget it?"

"I _have_ swept it," said Oscar, in a tone of surprise.

"You have?" exclaimed Mr. Preston, with an air of incredulity; "I guess
you are mistaken. You may have shaken the broom at it, but I don't
think you swept it. See there--and there--and there,"--and he pointed
out numerous little heaps of dirt, and scraps of paper, which had
escaped Oscar's broom. "Now," he continued, "let me show you how to
sweep. In the first place, always sprinkle the floor a little, to
prevent the dust flying, as I told you a day or two ago. You omitted
that this morning, did n't you?"

"Yes, sir," replied Oscar.

"Well, just remember it hereafter, for the dust injures the goods.
There 's water enough, now pass me the broom, and I 'll show you how to
handle it. Look, now--that 's the way to sweep--get all the dirt out
from the corners and crevices, and along the edges, and under the
counters. Use the broom as though you meant to