s enthusiastic. His mind was already full of different schemes
which he would start when he had acquired fame and riches.

When he came home, he was so sure of success that he imparted his
idea to his step-mother, with whom he was not generally very
confidant.

Poor Frank! the volley of mockery which he received quite baffled
him.

"So you think to make your fortune in that way," she said. "No, no,
my boy, you never will."

"But don't you see that it's a most useful thing, that----"

"Stop, stop," she interrupted, "don't make me laugh. Do you think
that people are going to listen to your nonsense? Why! your peg
would get clogged with earth and would not act."

"Wouldn't it though, at any rate, it's worth thinking over, so I'll
do that."

"If you choose to spend your money in that fashion, you can do so,"
retorted the lady, smiling contemptuously.

"You won't laugh at me this day month," thought Frank as he made his
exit.

Once alone again, he grew more determined than ever. His mind was
completely dazzled with the bright future before him.

Next morning, he posted a letter to an inventor's agency in London.
He stated that he had invented something he knew would be useful,
and very much in demand if manufactured. The letter went on to
detail in full length the "safety peg." Then he went on to say that
he would very much like to have it patented and if they would kindly
send terms and advice in the course of a mail or two, he would be
thankful.

Two days afterwards, he hoped to receive the joyful news. "They will
certainly write soon,--such a valuable article--besides, they have
an interest in its being patented," he said to himself.

He accordingly watched for the postman, and as soon as he saw him,
his heart beat wildly. To think that he had the precious missive. He
approaches, and now he is going to open the gate,--no, he passes
without even looking in the direction of the house.

"Surely he must be forgetting," thought Frank, and he shouted: "Mr.
Pedvin, have you any letter for me?"

"No; not to day," said the postman--and he went on his way.

"What are they up to now?" thought the youth, "they ought to make
haste. I'll wait till to-morrow, and if I don't receive any news,
I'll send them a note, and a pretty sharp one too."

Next day he again watched for the postman's arrival. He felt
miserable; the state of uncertainty in which he was, caused him to
be depressed. Still he could not imagine that