e with you until we
return."

"And you will give me a dollar just for keeping the money until you come
back?" demanded Bob.

"Exactly."

"All right. That's half as much as I get for working a week."

"That's the boy. I am glad to see that you have the sense of thrift so
strongly developed. Now we will just put Mr. Simpkins' seven hundred and
fifty dollars and our five hundred dollars in this envelope, which you
will keep until we return."

As he spoke, the elder of the New Yorkers counted out five hundred
dollars, put it in the envelope, and then asked the countryman for his
share. After verifying the amount, he placed it with the other money,
then handed an envelope to Bob, exclaiming:

"Now you two stay right here, and we will be back within fifteen
minutes."

"All right, sir," said Bob, as he grasped the envelope. And as his
fingers closed about it, he unconsciously threw back his head, and
squared his shoulders, proud of the thought that he had been selected as
the custodian of such a large sum of money.

Again repeating their promise to return within a quarter of an hour, the
two New Yorkers hastened away, and were soon lost among the people who
thronged the thoroughfare.

Oblivious as the people who live in New York are to the presence of
their fellowmen, the sight of the man so obviously from the country and
the bright-eyed, alert boy, closely clasping the envelope in one hand,
while at his feet rested the basket packed with groceries, attracted
many a passing glance.

Between Simpkins and Bob, however, no words were exchanged; though each,
while apparently gazing at the passersby, kept a sharp lookout upon the
other.

Minute after minute went by, without the return of the two men, who had
said they were going to the bank for money, and as the time wore on
without their re-appearance, Simpkins exclaimed:

"I wonder what's keeping them? I don't want to stand here all day."

"And I can't," said Bob. "I will be more than half an hour late in
getting back to the store, and I know Mr. Dardus will be very angry. I
most wish I hadn't said I'd wait. It just shows that Mr. Dardus is right
when he says there is no pleasure in having money that isn't earned
honestly, and getting a dollar for just holding this money isn't really
honest work."

"Well, if you think you ought to be delivering your groceries, why not
give the envelope to me? I'll stay here and wait, though I must say I am
getting tired."

"