would, but we must not raise our hopes too high."

Owen ushered John into the office, feeling almost at home there already.
In a short time Owen and John were summoned into Mr Fluke's room.
John was not prepossessed by that worthy's manner.

"You are John Rowe, I understand," he began. "Believing this boy's
account of himself I am going to give him a trial; if he behaves well,
he will rise in this office, for there is no doubt that he possesses the
talents he boasts of. He shall come and stop at my house. Go and get
his things and bring them here, for I shall take him home with me. Now
listen, Mr John Rowe, I want you to perform a commission for me. Here
is a cheque, you can get it cashed in the country. Buy up all the books
with the name of Walford in them which were sold at the Fenside Vicarage
sale."

As he spoke, he handed a cheque for 10 pounds to John, adding, "Do not
tell the bookseller why you want them, or he will raise the price. Buy
them in your own name. If this sum is not sufficient, let me know;
should it be more than you require, take it to defray the expenses you
have been at on the boy's account."

John thanked Mr Fluke, and promised to carry out his wishes, highly
pleased at what he considered Owen's good fortune.

Owen, however, felt somewhat disappointed at not being able to spend
another evening with his friend.

From Mr Fluke's manner, John saw that it was time to take his
departure, and Owen followed him to the door. John had to return with
Owen's box of clothes, but there probably would not then be time for any
conversation.

Owen sent many grateful messages to Fenside Farm. "I hope that Mr
Fluke will let me go down and see you sometimes," he added, "for I never
can forget all the kindness you, your father, and David have shown me,
and your mother and sisters."

"Well, if you are not happy here, mind you must tell us so, and you
shall ever be welcome at Fenside," said John, as they parted.

CHAPTER THREE.

John Rowe brought Owen's little trunk all the way from the "Green
Dragon" on his own broad shoulders, and deposited it at Paul Kelson,
Fluke and Company's office. Having done so he hurried off, not wishing
to be thanked, and considering there was not much advantage to be gained
by another parting with his young friend. Owen, however, was
disappointed, when he found that his box had arrived, that he had missed
seeing John.

The instant five o'clock struck, Simon Flu