hance to get hold of a lot of scrap at a
very low figure. But the trouble is I must pay cash for it. I looked at
it the other day, and told the man I'd take it. I figured then on having
the money. Now I find I haven't got it."

"Did you lose it?"

"No," and Henry spoke hesitatingly. "But you see my father had an idea
he could make some money by becoming agent for a new kind of soap. He
borrowed my cash and sent for a big supply; but when he got it no one
would buy it. So he has it on hand, and my money is gone. Of course what
I have is my father's until I'm of age, but----"

Henry stopped. In spite of the selfish and lazy character of his parent
he was not going to utter any complaint against him.

"How much money do you need to buy this iron?" asked Dick, a sudden
resolve coming into his mind.

"It will take fifty dollars; but it might just as well be five hundred
as far as I'm concerned. I could get it together in about a month, but
it's out of the question now. I'm just on my way to tell the man I can't
take the iron. It's too bad, as it's a bargain, and I could easily make
considerable on the deal."

While Henry was speaking Dick had drawn a little red book from his
pocket, and was busily writing in it with a fountain pen. He tore out a
slip of paper and handed it to his friend.

"There, Henry," he said, "if you take that to the Hamilton National Bank
they'll give you cash for it."

"But what is it--I don't understand--a check for fifty dollars!"
exclaimed the other youth.

"That's what it is," replied Dick smiling. "It's a present from me,
Henry."

"A present! I'm sorry, but I can't take it, Dick. I'm very much obliged
to you, but it wouldn't be business, you know. I don't want anything I
don't earn."

"But I have lots more," insisted Dick. "In fact, I'd never miss that
sum."

"I can't help it. I couldn't take it, though I thank you very much," and
Henry handed back the little slip.

"Wait!" exclaimed Dick. "Will you take it as a loan, Henry?"

"A loan?"

"Yes; to be paid back--whenever you get good and ready. Do take it--as a
loan."

"A loan," repeated Henry in a low tone. "Well, I might do that. But if
you're in any hurry for the money you'd better not let me take it. I
don't know when I can pay it back."

"That's all right. Keep it as long as you like."

"But there's another objection," said Henry, who appeared to be very
conscientious about it. "You have no security for it."

"I don't