Returning to the garret, Rich said, "About a profession—is it?" flinging himself on the bed, while Morton, seated in a chair, thrust his feet out of the window. "Just have the goodness to open that volume on the table."

It was Bell's Operative Surgery.

"Then you are going to study medicine?"

"It is registered on leaves of brass."

"When did you decide?"

"I've been trying to decide ever since I left college; but I did decide before I left the breakfast table the morning father told me the boom and mills had gone. I borrowed these books of our doctor, and at night, when I'm not too tired, I read them once in the while; when work permits I go with him to visit some patient. I went with him a week ago when he amputated a man's hand at the wrist. He is very kind, has large practice, and rides long distances, as he has the practice of this and the next town."

"You won't accomplish much in this way."

[Pg 143]

"I don't expect to; but I can't leave father now, as I find that my taking hold has been a great help and comfort to him and my uncle. They have a good deal of work, and it is increasing every day; and I don't mean to leave them till I see the family in more comfortable quarters. The shop and house adjoining was my grandfather's, and when my father failed, passed into the hands of a Mr. Montague. He gives my father the use of the shop and tools, and in the fall, when the family now in it moves out, will let him have the old house, which is an excellent one, built by my grandfather after he acquired property. My father and uncle are living in this old shell, working incessantly. When no other work comes in, my uncle, who can work in wood as well as iron, makes wheels. My father puts on the tires. They sell them. Mother takes in spinning, and saves every cent. I do all I can in order to be able, at the end of the summer, to buy back grandfather's tools, that we may have something of our own. Besides, they are dear to father. He helped make most of them when he was a boy, and says there's a history to every one of them."

"How long is it going to take to do all that?"

"Not longer than September or the middle of October, if we are all well. In the mean time I shall read what medicine I can, go round with Dr. Jones occasionally, and when I see the family in[Pg 144] the new house and comfortable, take an academy somewhere or high school, and teach till I can earn money enough to go on with my studies."

"You're a good boy, Rich."

"Why don't you tell me some news?"

"I'm going to. That academy is all ready."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Did you think I would leave my studies and come way up here just to look at the wreck? Put my arm round your neck, whimper, and say, What a pity!"

"Explain, Mort, please, that's a good fellow."

"Who said I wasn't a good fellow? Well, Perk's got an academy for you in the next town to his whenever you're ready to take it, salary two hundred a year. He fitted for college there, knows all the trustees, and everybody in town; and he's cracked you up sky high; told all the boys what a nice fellow you are, the most lovable man ever God made, the trustees what a splendid classical scholar you are, and all the young ladies how handsome. So I advise you, as a sincere friend, to take unto yourself nitre and much soap, and wash off that smut, which seems to me to be under the skin."

"O, Mort, this is all your work!"

"No,'tain't; it's all old Perk's. I only came to tell the news."

"But you were the means of it."

"No; it was that good Being whom you, after[Pg 145] so many years of prosperity, couldn't afford to think about or thank till he sent the river to put you in mind of him."

"How can I ever thank you enough?"

"Do you think a man ought to be thanked for helping himself?"

"No, of course not."

"Are not you and I one? Didn't you say only last night we were one, and that there never was a shadow between us? What are you talking about?"

"I can't understand how they can wait my leisure. There must of course be a definite time when the term begins."

"Certainly; Perk will send you a catalogue; but he will take the school till you come. I told him I knew something about your affairs, and thought it doubtful if you could come at the first part of the term."

"This is a kind of joyous time, Mort; makes this old attic seem real pleasant."

"Yes; the architecture is simple in design; but the atmosphere is most exhilarating."

"I suppose I can tell fath............