S OON after they were seated in the cars, bound for New York, Mr. Kenyon remarked:

"Perhaps you are surprised, Oliver, that I take you with me instead of Roland."

Oliver admitted that he was surprised.

"The fact is," said Mr. Kenyon candidly, "I don\'t think Roland treats you as well as he should."

Oliver was more and more surprised.

"I don\'t complain of Roland," he said. "I don\'t think he likes me, but perhaps that is not his fault. We are quite different."

"Still he might treat you well."

"Don\'t think of that, Mr. Kenyon; Roland has never done me any serious harm, and if he proposed to do it, I am able to take care of myself."

Oliver did not say this in an offensive tone, but with manly independence.

"You are quite magnanimous," said Mr. Kenyon. "I am just beginning to appreciate you. I own that I used to have a prejudice against you, and it is possible I may have treated you harshly; but I have learned to know you better. I find you a straightforward, manly young fellow."

"Thank you, sir," said Oliver, very much astonished. "I am afraid you do me more than justice. I hope to retain your good opinion."

"I have no doubt you will," said Mr. Kenyon, in a quiet and paternal tone. "You have probably noticed that my manner toward you has changed of late?"

"Yes, sir, I have noticed the change, and been glad to see it."

"Of course, of course. Now, I have got something to tell you."

Oliver naturally felt curious.

"I want to tell you why I have brought you to New York to-day. You probably thought it was merely for a pleasant excursion."

"Yes, sir."

"I have another object in view. Noticing as I have the dislike—well, the incompatibility between you and Roland, I have thought it best to make separate arrangements for you."

Now Oliver was strangely interested. What plan had Mr. Kenyon formed for him?

"I intend you to remain in the city. How does that suit you?"

There are not many boys of Oliver\'s age to whom such a prospect would not be pleasing. He answered promptly:

"I should like it very much."

"No doubt Roland will envy you," said Mr. Kenyon. "I am sure he would prefer the city to our quiet little country village. But I cannot make up my mind to part with him. He is my own son, and though I endeavor to treat you both alike, of course that makes some difference," said Mr. Kenyon, in rather an apologetic tone.

"Of course it does," said Oliver, who did not feel in the least sensitive about his step-father\'s superior affection for Roland.

"Where am I to live in the city?" he asked next.

"There are two courses open to you," said Mr. Kenyon. "You might either go to some school in the city or enter some place of business. Which would you prefer?"

Had Oliver been an enthusiastic student, he would have decided in favor of school. He was a good scholar for his age, but, like all boys, he fancied a change. It seemed to him that he would like to obtain a business position, and he said so.

His step-father anticipated this, and wished it. Had Oliver decided otherwise, he would have exerted his influence to have him change his plan.

"Perhaps you are right," said Mr. Kenyon meditatively. "A bright, smart boy like you, is, of course, anxious to get to work and do something for himself. Besides, business men tell me that it is always best to begin young. How old are you?"

"Almost sixteen," answered Oliver.

"I was only fourteen when I commenced business. Yes, I think you are right."

"Is it easy to get a position in the city?" asked Oliver, getting interested.

"Not unless you have influence; but I think I have influence enough to secure you one."

"Thank you, sir."

"In fact, I know of a party who is in want of a boy—an old acquaintance of mine. He will take you to oblige me."

"What business is he in?"

"He has a gentlemen\'s furnishing store," answered Mr. Kenyon.

"Do you think that business is as good as some other kinds?" said Oliver dubiously.

"It is a capital business," said his step-fa............