About nine o’clock that evening Gilbert’s trunk arrived. He received it with satisfaction, and unpacked it at once, putting a part of his clothing into the drawers of a small bureau, which, with the bedstead and one chair, took up about all the space in his contracted chamber.

Mr. Ingalls stepped in as he was unpacking.

“You haven’t got much extra room,” he said.

“No, I wish my room was larger,” said Gilbert; “but it is as large as I can afford.”

“My room is at least twice as large, but by sharing it with another I pay no more than you do.”

“You are in luck; that is, if your room-mate is agreeable.”

“We get along very well, but I expect to lose him 107in a week. He is to leave the city. If you would like to take his place, I shall be glad to have you.”

“Will it increase my board?” asked Gilbert.

“How much do you pay now?”

“Six dollars.”

“No; you would pay the same as my room-mate.”

“Then I will accept your offer with thanks.”

“I hope you won’t have cause to repent it,” said Mr. Ingalls. “If you do at any time I will let you off.”

“If you should marry Miss Brintnall,” suggested Gilbert, with a smile, “you will have to give me warning.”

“No Miss Brintnall for me!” said Ingalls. “I don’t want to be a henpecked husband, or marry one who would insist on wearing the breeches.”

“The lady seems partial to you.”

“She is not only partial, but martial,” said the young man, who was apt to indulge in poor jokes; “I would as soon marry an Amazon. When you get through unpacking, come to my room; you may like to see it.”

108“I have unpacked as much as I intend to to-night. I will go with you now.”

Mr. Ingalls’ room was square in shape, and of very good dimensions; it was better furnished also than Gilbert’s. It contained two single beds, side by side, a good closet, a sofa, a bureau, rocking-chair, and several ordinary chairs. Several fair engravings adorned the walls, and Gilbert felt that it would be decidedly pleasanter for him to share such a room as this with a pleasant companion, than to reign sole master of a hall bedroom.

“How do you like it?” asked Mr. Ingalls.

“Very much better than mine. I shall be glad to change.”

“Then we will consider the arrangement decided upon. Can I offer you a cigarette?”

“No, thank you; I never smoke.”

“That is where you are sensible; I only indulge myself occasionally.”

They sat for half an hour and chatted. Gilbert was favorably impressed by his new friend, who, though ten years older than himself, proved a congenial 109companion. At ten o’clock he bade him good-night, and went to bed.

His bed was not particularly soft or luxurious, but he slept soundly, and awoke in the morning refreshed. He took an early breakfast, and walked down-town with Mr. Ingalls.

When Mr. Moore, the book-keeper, arrived, Gilbert was already at work.

“A new broom sweeps clean,” sneered Moore, in an unpleasant tone.

“Do you mean me?” asked Gilbert.

“Yes; you are trying to make Mr. Sands think you a model.”

“I hope he won’t think that, for he will find out his mistake.”

“He will find out his mistake,” said Moore; “I predict that.”

“I intend to do my work faithfully,” said Gilbert; “there will be no mistake about that.”

“I’ve heard boys talk that way before. They don’t deceive me.”

110Just then Mr. Sands entered. He greeted Gilbert pleasantly.

“So you are on hand in good season. I like to see that.”

“I shall try not to be late, sir.”

“Where do you board?”

“In Waverly Place.”

“That is convenient as regards distance. You may go to the Post Office for letters.”

As Gilbert started for the Post Office, a boy about his own age came up and joined him.

“Are you Mr. Sands’ new boy?” he asked.

“Yes,............