He and Chester went out
together.

"What is your name, boy?" asked the artist.

"Chester Rand."

"I never heard of you."

"I am only a beginner," said Chester, modestly.

"You seem to have got in with Fleming."

"I may not keep in with him."

"Are you doing pretty well?"

"Yes, for a boy."

"Have you got a loose quarter about you? I haven't done much work
lately, and am hard up."

Chester took half a dollar from his pocket and handed it to the elder
man. His compassion was stirred as he felt for Radcliff's humiliation
in being obliged to make such an appeal to a boy like himself.

"Thank you. You're a gentleman. I'll return it soon," said Radcliff,
looking relieved. "Good luck to you! You're a good fellow, after all."

"I wish you good luck, too, Mr. Radcliff."

Chester did not need to be told what had brought the elder artist into
such an impecunious condition. His face with its unnatural flush showed
that his habits had been far from creditable.

"If I needed anything to keep me from drinking, Mr. Radcliff's example
would be sufficient," thought Chester. He had before now been invited
to take a drink at some convenient saloon, but he had never been
tempted to do so.

Two days later Chester was walking through Union Square when he came
face to face with Felix Gordon.

Felix espied him first.

"Hello! Chester," said his successor.

"Hello! I didn't see you."

"I envy you."

"Why?"

"You have nothing to do but to enjoy yourself," answered Felix,
significantly.

"Oh, that's it!" said Chester, smiling. He saw that Felix thought him
to be out of employment.

"That was the case with you before you succeeded me in the real estate
office. How do you like it?"

"Pretty well, but I think I ought to get more salary. You got five
dollars, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"I will try and get six when Mr. Fairchild gets back."

"I wish you success."

"You don't feel any grudge against me for taking your place?"

"No; it wasn't you who got me discharged."

"I thought you'd be in to get a letter of recommendation from cousin
David."

"Would he give me one?"

"I don't know. Are you trying to get a place?"

"No."

Felix looked surprised.

"You ain't rich, are you?" he asked.

"No; what makes you ask?"

"I don't see how you can live without any salary."

"I couldn't. I ought to tell you that I have got a place."

"You have?" exclaimed Felix, in surprise, and it must be confessed,
disappointm