The next morning, about eight o’clock, the family were gathered about the breakfast-table. Randolph was ten minutes late. He came in looking sleepy and cross.

“Randolph,” said his father, “what made you so late last evening?”

“I wasn’t late.”

“You may not call half-past eleven late; I do.”

“It wasn’t more than half-past ten when I came in.”

“You are quite mistaken. I looked at my watch when I heard you coming upstairs.”

“It was rather late; but you needn’t make such a fuss about it, Mr. Briggs,” said his wife. “You have been out later than that yourself.”

“Whenever I have been late, I had a good reason 78for it. Besides, there is some difference in age between Randolph and myself.”

“At any rate, you needn’t scold him before a stranger.”

“I do not consider Gilbert a stranger. Besides, what I say is partly meant for him. It is not wise for any boy of his or Randolph’s age to remain out till nearly twelve.”

“I hope you are almost through; I am getting tired of the subject.”

Thus Mrs. Briggs gave Randolph indirect encouragement, by taking his part against his father.

Mr. Briggs shrugged his shoulders and was silent. Gilbert felt rather uncomfortable.

“Will you have some more coffee?” asked Mrs. Briggs, in an icy tone.

“No, thank you,” he said.

“You may go down-town with me, Gilbert,” said Mr. Briggs. “I will introduce you to a gentleman who will possibly give you a place.”

“Thank you, sir.”

79“I hope, Mr. Briggs, you will bear in mind what I said last night,” said his wife.

She referred to his getting a boarding-place for Gilbert.

“I have not forgotten it,” he answered.

Gilbert and his guardian took a University Place car, and they rode down-town together.

Mr. Briggs obtained a seat, but Gilbert was compelled to stand, on account of the crowded state of the car.

Seated beside Mr. Briggs was a business man of about his own age.

“Good-morning, Mr. Sands,” he said, for it was an acquaintance.

“Good-morning, Mr. Briggs. Is this young man your son?”

“No, he is under my charge, however. I have a son of about his age.”

“Is he at school?”

“He has been till recently. I am looking for a place for him at present. It is time he commenced his business education.”

80“Indeed,” said the gentleman, thoughtfully. “Are you thinking of any business in particular?”

“No. I shall accept any good opening for him.”

“The fact is,” said Sands, “I am looking for a boy to enter my own office. I was compelled yesterday to dismiss one who had been with me for six months, on account of dishonesty. I found he appropriated revenue-stamps, and sold them. I don’t know how long this has been going on, but probably I have been a considerable loser.”

“I don’t think you will have any such difficulty with Gilbert, if you are inclined to take him,” said Mr. Briggs.

“I like his appearance, and will take him at once, if you say so. I have been in the habit of paying five dollars a week.”

“It is as much as I expected him to earn for the present. Gilbert, this gentleman is willing to give you a place in his office.”

Gilbert had already formed a favorable opinion of Mr. Sands and he answered promptly, “I am very 81much obliged to him, and shall be glad to be in his employ.”

Mr. Sands looked pleased.

“May I ask what is your business, sir?” continued Gilbert.

“I am a broker; my office is at No. — Wall Street.”

“I am afraid you will find me very ignorant of business,” said Gilbert; “but I hope to learn rapidly.”

“There is nothing that will puzzle you at first. If you remain any length of time, there will be something to learn.”

“I ............