, sir?"

"He did."

"He was Lord Mayor in the year 18--?"

"He was. Did you know him?"

"I am his son. I remember you very well. You went with me and my
father to buy my first pony."

"I did indeed. Mr. Tresham, sit down, sir. You are very welcome. I am
grateful for your visit. And how is my old acquaintance? I have not
heard of him for many years. We are both Cornishmen, and you know the
Cornish motto is 'One and all.'"

"My father is dead. He had great financial misfortunes. He did not
survive them long. I came to America hoping to find a better
opening, but nothing has gone well with me. This morning I saw
your advertisement. I think I can do all you require, and I shall be
very glad indeed of the position."

"How long have you been in America, Mr. Tresham?"

"More than a year. I went West at once, spent my money, and failed in
every effort."

"To be sure. The West is for physical and financial energies. I think
if a young man is to rely on his mental qualities he had better remain
East. I am glad you have called upon me. The duties I wish attended to
are very simple. You will have to read my mail every morning and
answer it as I verbally direct. With the help of printed plates you
will arrange my coins and seals and such matters. I wish you also to
read the newspapers to me. In a day or two you will find out which
articles to read and which to omit. I want a companion for my drives.
I want some one to chat with me on my various hobbies--a young man,
because young men have such positive opinions, and therefore we shall
be likely to come to pleasant disputing. You will have a handsome
room, a seat at my table, a place among my guests, and one hundred
dollars a month."

"I am very grateful to you, sir."

"And I am very grateful to the kind fate which sent you to me. I owe
your father for many a delightful day. I am glad to pay my debt to his
son. When can you come here?"

"This afternoon, sir."

"I like that. We dine at seven. I will expect you to dinner. Do
you--ahem!--excuse me, Mr. Tresham, perhaps you may require a little
money in advance. I shall be pleased to accommodate you."

"You offer is gracious and considerate, sir. I am glad you made it,
although I do not fortunately need to accept it."

They clasped hands and parted with smiles. Mr. Lanhearne was quite
excited over the adventure. He longed for his daughter to come home,
that he might tell her what a romantic answer had come to his pro