balance.
BENJAMIN FIELDING.

"I have read the letter, but I don't know what it means," said Dr.
Sampson. "Can you throw any light upon it?"

"Here is my letter, doctor. You can read it for yourself."

Dr. Sampson's face changed as he read Rodney's letter. It changed and
hardened, and his expression became quite different from that to which
Rodney had been accustomed.

"This is a bad business, Ropes," said the doctor in a hard tone.

He had always said Rodney before.

"Yes, sir."

"That was a handsome fortune which your father left you."

"Yes, sir. I never knew before how much it amounted to."

"You only learn when you have lost it. Mr. Fielding has treated you
shamefully."

"Yes, sir, I suppose he has, but he says he will try to make it up to me
in the future."

"Pish! that is all humbug. Even if he is favored by fortune you will
never get back a cent."

"I think I shall, sir."

"You are young. You do not know the iniquities of business men. I do."

"I prefer to hope for the best."

"Just as you please."

"Have you anything more to say to me?"

"Only that I will figure up your account and see how much money is to
come to you out of the check your guardian has sent. You can stay here
till Monday; then you will find it best to make new arrangements."

"Very well, sir."

Rodney left the room, realizing that Dr. Sampson's feelings had been
changed by his pupil's reverse of fortune.

It was the way of the world, but it was not a pleasant way, and Rodney
felt depressed.

CHAPTER II.

THE CASKET OF JEWELS.

It was not till the latter part of the afternoon that the casket
arrived. Rodney was occupied with a recitation, and it was only in
the evening that he got an opportunity to open it. There was a pearl
necklace, very handsome, a pair of bracelets, two gold chains, some
minor articles of jewelry and a gold ring.

A locket attracted Rodney's notice, and he opened it. It contained the
pictures of his father and mother.

His father he could barely remember, his mother died before he was old
enough to have her image impressed upon his memory. He examined the
locket and his heart was saddened. He felt how different his life would
have been had his parents lived.

He had never before realized the sorrow of being alone in the world.
Misfortune had come upon him, and so far as he knew he had not a friend.
Even Dr. Sampson, who had been paid so much money on his account, and
who had alwa