om to look to the foundations
they built their pride upon,--thus, while great world-events were going
on that must concern every soul under the whole heaven. But never shall
the man be lost in the multitude; and was it not, is it not, of
incalculable importance that mortals by their own firesides should learn
to believe in peace and good-will,--else how shall come the universal
harmony?

Therefore I dwell thus on Dexter's humble fortunes. Let us not fear too
much reverence, too patient observation; every living creature is one
other evidence, speaking his yea or nay,--by joy or sorrow, shame or
honor, testifying to the eternal laws of God.

Sometime during the last six months of Columbia's second year at the
seminary among the books and new associates, Silas Swift had some
strange secret experiences, which came to their inevitable expression
when he told Mr. Dexter that he must leave his service. He perceived, he
said, that he could not spend life in a shop,--he must have other
employment. He hinted about the sea, but on that subject was not clear;
but he was clear in this,--tired of his life, sick, and knew not the
physician. Was a serpent distilling poison under the apricot-tree?

Dexter was amazed. Silas anticipated everything he said,--was prepared
to answer all; and he answered in a manner that showed the flag-maker
something instant and effective must be done. He talked the matter over
accordingly with Andrew Swift, and the two men were at their wits' end;
they did not understand, and knew not what to prescribe for the case, so
desperate it seemed. But Jessie said, "Take him in for a partner, Silas.
Let _him_ stand for Company. You and I are one; so the sign, as it goes,
is a fib, you know."

The two men looked at Jessie as if she had been an oracle. This very
promotion of their son had long seemed to Swift and his wife the most
desirable issue, of all their expectations; but they had not thought to
look for it these many years. However, Andrew was ready to pay down, any
day, whatever sum Silas Dexter should specify in order that his son
might be admitted to equal partnership.

So they waited together till young Swift came into the little room back
of the shop, where they were all looking for him. They laid their plan
before him. What could he do? Neither explain himself, nor yet defy them
all. He surrendered; and the next day the old sign, DEXTER & CO., meant
what it had not meant the day before. The word of