of the performance, they returned to their hotel,
and Frank Bruner's mind was more firmly settled in his determination
to leave the service of Henry Schulte, and to find employment in the
city, where such pleasures would be open to him at all times.

On their walk homeward to the hotel Frank again mentioned his resolve
to Bucholz.

"I think you are very foolish," was the reply. "The old man has lots
of money, and if I was in your place I would do very different."

Frank was immovable, however, and the words of his companion produced
no effect upon his mind.

The next morning Mr. Schulte endeavored in vain to induce Frank to
change his determination, and at last, finding it impossible to do
so, he paid him the amount that was due to him and dispensed, rather
reluctantly, with his further services.

A few days after this, having completed the business which detained
him in New York, the old gentleman announced his intention of
departing, and, having his baggage transferred to the coach, he
started for the depot, leaving Frank behind him, who now half
regretted having so suddenly sundered his relations with his
eccentric employer.

Bucholz's opportunity had now arrived, and jumping into the coach, he
took his seat beside the old gentleman, whose acquaintance he had
cultivated during his brief sojourn at the hotel.

"You are going away, Mr. Schulte?" said Bucholz.

The old man nodded his head affirmatively, but made no audible reply.

"Which way are you going?" asked Bucholz, unabashed by the manner of
the other.

"I am going down to South Norwalk, in Connecticut, to buy a farm
which was advertised for sale there," answered Mr. Schulte.

"Where is Frank?" asked Bucholz, as though in ignorance of their
separation. "Is he not going with you?"

"Frank is no longer in my employ. I have discharged him, and he must
now look out for himself."

"Don't you want somebody to take his place?" said Bucholz, eagerly.

"Yes, but I will get some one down there, I guess," replied the old
man, as though he did not desire to talk any further about his
affairs.

"Don't you think I would suit you, Mr. Schulte? I have nothing to do,
and would be very glad to take the place," urged Bucholz. The old
gentleman looked up in surprise at this question, and said:

"You would not come for such wages as I would pay."

He named a sum ridiculously small, but Bucholz announced his perfect
willingness to accept the position at the remu