_The Phoenix_. It is backed by sufficient capital to
insure its success. Our attention has been called to some
illustrations which you have furnished to some of our successful
contemporaries, and we shall be glad to secure your services. We
may be able to throw considerable work in your way. Please call at
our office as soon as possible.

"EDITORS OF THE PHOENIX."

Chester was quite exhilarated by this letter. He felt that it was a
proof of his growing popularity as an artist, and this was particularly
gratifying. Besides, his income would be largely, at any rate
considerably, increased. He lost no time in presenting himself at the
office of _The Phoenix_.

It was located in a large office building on Nassau Street. He took the
elevator and went upstairs to the sixth floor. On the door of a room a
little way from the elevator he saw the name, and knocked.

"Come in!" was the response.

Chester opened the door and found himself in the presence of a man of
about forty, with a profusion of brown hair shading a pleasant
countenance. He looked up inquiringly as Chester entered.

"Is this the editor of _The Phoenix_?" inquired Chester, respectfully.

"_The Phoenix_ will have no existence till next week," answered the
other, pleasantly. "I expect to be its editor."

"I came in answer to your letter."

"To my letter?" repeated the editor, puzzled.

"Yes; my name is Chester Rand."

"What!" exclaimed the brown-haired man, almost incredulously. "You--a
boy? How old are you?"

"Sixteen."

"And you are a contributor to _Puck_ and other papers?"

"Yes, sir."

"You must be a smart boy. Shake hands."

Chester shook hands with a smile.

"Will my being a boy make any difference?" he asked.

"Not if your work is satisfactory. Are you willing to work exclusively
for _The Phoenix_?"

"Yes, sir; that is, if I may be allowed to complete a contract I have
made."

"What sort of a contract?"

"I am illustrating Prof. Hazlitt's ethnological work. I think it may
take me some months more, working evenings."

"That won't interfere with us. I was afraid you might be under an
engagement with a rival publication."

"No, sir. So far as that goes I will confine myself to _The Phoenix_
if----"

"Terms are satisfactory, I suppose."

"Yes, sir."

"Then I will agree to pay you twenty-five dollars a week for the first
six months. I may be able to do better afterward."

Chester was dazzled. Twenty-f