that he expected to see. Not to keep the reader in suspense, it
was Allan Roscoe and his son, Guy.

Guy was the first to recognize Hector. Of course, he, too, was
surprised.

"Why, there's Hector!" he exclaimed, directing his father's attention to
our hero.

Allan Roscoe looked up quickly. It is hard to tell whether he felt glad
or the reverse at this meeting with the boy whom he called his ward.

An instant later Hector recognized Guy and his father.

"How do you do, Mr. Roscoe?" he said, politely.

"Very well. When did you reach New York?"

"On Saturday."

It should have been explained that Hector had spent Sunday quietly with
Mr. Ross and Walter, and that this was Monday.

"Ahem! I was very much surprised at your leaving the institute," said
Mr. Roscoe.

"I explained to you in my letter why I proposed to leave it," Hector
answered, coldly.

"I did not think your reason sufficient."

"As Mr. Smith saw fit to bring a base charge against me, and persisted
in it, even after he must have been convinced that his nephew was
guilty, I was unwilling to remain under his charge any longer."

"The circumstances were against you," said Mr. Roscoe.

"You might have known me better than that, Mr. Roscoe," said Hector,
proudly. "Yet you condemned me unheard."

"Of course, I am very glad that the charge is unfounded," said Mr.
Roscoe, awkwardly.

"Where there is smoke there is generally fire," said Guy, spitefully.

"I understand you, Guy," said Hector, half turning to look at the boy
who had usurped his place. "I hope you won't think it impolite if I say
that I care nothing whatever for your opinion."

"You put on as many airs as ever," sneered Guy. "I should think you
would be a little more humble in your changed position."

"I have not changed, even if my position has," answered Hector. "Money
is nothing to be proud of."

"I apprehend that the world judges differently," said Allan Roscoe.
"Since you have taken your destiny into your own hands, you will excuse
me for asking how you intend to earn your living?"

"I hope to get a mercantile position," answered Hector.

"Take my advice," said Guy, with a derisive smile, "and buy yourself a
blacking box and brush. I am told bootblacks make a good deal of money."

"Hush, Guy!" said his father. "Do not insult Hector."

But Hector concerned himself but little with any slight received from
Guy Roscoe. His words, however, recalled his thoughts to the boy he had