ce, and come back here
yourself?"

The two clerks were speedily in the presence of their employer.

"So you think you ought to have a higher salary, Walton?" began Mr.
Ferguson.

"I don't think Grey earns twice as much as I do, sir."

"Perhaps you think he does not earn any more."

"I don't see why he does."

"Then I will tell you. You have both been with me about the same length
of time, you a little longer, I think, but length of service does not
always enhance the value of service. Grey has devoted his evenings to
study. He has acquired such a knowledge of German in particular that he
can wait upon German customers. He has mastered all the details of the
business, which you have not done. You are often late, often
inattentive, and are no better clerk now than you were a year ago. That
is the reason I am willing to give Gilbert higher pay than you. If you
wish to fare as well as he has done, pursue the same course."

"I don't feel like studying in the evening; I am too tired," said
Maurice, sullenly.

"Do as you please about that; but there is still another way in which,
without any more time, you can make yourself more valuable, and merit
increase of pay."

"How is that, sir?"

"Always be on the alert while you are here in the store. Then, in place
of an indifferent salesman, you may become a good one--such as I should
be very sorry to lose. At present, I confess I should not feel it to be
a great loss if you withdrew to another establishment."

Maurice listened sullenly. It chafed his pride to be thus addressed by
his employer, in presence of Gilbert.

As they went back to their duty, our hero said:

"I did the best I could for you, Maurice. You can't blame me."

"No, but I blame him. He has no business to be so partial to you. All
the difference between us is, that you can jabber Dutch a little. That
isn't worth ten dollars a week extra. He's down on me for something or
other; I don't know why."

"I don't make any comparison between us, Maurice," said Gilbert. "I am
perfectly willing you should get as high pay as I do."

"You are very kind," said Maurice, sarcastically.

"Now, don't get mad with a fellow," said Gilbert, good humoredly. "I
can't help it."

But Maurice was sullen all day, and for some days subsequently. He
insisted on regarding Gilbert as a successful rival, and would have
injured him if he could.

It was about this time that our hero had his thoughts suddenly recalled
to th