The next day Mr. Sands received an unexpected summons to Washington. A brother, who was clerk in one of the departments, was seriously ill, and he was summoned to his bedside.

“How long shall you be absent, sir?” inquired Simon Moore.

“I cannot say; it will depend on how I find my brother. Keep me apprised of what is going on by letter, and, if necessary, by telegraph.”

“Yes, sir,” said Simon, cheerfully; “you may rely upon me.”

“Where is Gilbert?”

“Gone to the post-office.”

“I have sometimes thought, Mr. Moore, that you were prejudiced against the boy.”

154“I was at first, sir,” said Moore; “but on the whole he seems faithful, and disposed to do his duty.”

Mr. Sands smiled slightly, but this Mr. Moore did not observe.

“I think well of him myself,” he said.

“If he does well, he won’t have reason to complain of me,” said the book-keeper.

Again Mr. Sands smiled, but said nothing. Just as he was leaving the office for the cars, Gilbert returned.

“I wish, Gilbert, you would accompany me to the Courtland Street Ferry,” said his employer. “I am going to Washington this afternoon.”

“Indeed, sir!”

“I am summoned to my brother’s sick-bed.”

“When did you hear of his sickness, sir?” asked Gilbert, in a sympathizing tone.

“A week since; but last evening I learned by a telegram that he is dangerously sick.”

By this time they were on their way to the ferry.

“You may take my valise, Gilbert,” said the broker, “if you are willing.”

155“Certainly, sir,” said Gilbert, politely. “I hope you will find your brother better.”

“I certainly hope so. He would be a great loss to his family. By the way, how are you getting on with Mr. Moore?”

“I hardly know, sir,” said Gilbert. “I don’t think he likes me.”

“Have you done anything to offend him?”

“Not that I am aware of. I have always treated him with respect.”

“That is right. If you get into any trouble with him while I am away, come to me after I return, and tell me all about it.”

Gilbert looked surprised, but of course promised to do so.

“I shall try not to get into any disturbance,” he said.

“I hope you won’t, but I fancy you will,” said his employer.

“I hope you don’t think I am quarrelsome, Mr. Sands.”

“No, that is not my reason. I will say no more at 156present, except to request you, if anything happens, to give me a truthful and detailed account of it when I return.”

“Thank you, sir, I will,” said Gilbert, who, though puzzled, felt that his employer was friendly towards him.

Gilbert waited till the boat started, and then returned to the office. He regretted Mr. Sands’ absence, for something told him that Mr. Moore would make it very disagreeable for him while he was gone. Indeed, the book-keeper was not long in showing his state of feeling towards our hero. As Gilbert entered, he looked up sharply from his desk.

“So you are back at last?” he said unpleasantly.

“Yes, sir,” answered Gilbert.

“I thought you intended to remain away all day.”

“Mr. Sands desired me to go to the ferry with him.”

“He didn’t desire you to stop to play on the way home.”

“Did you see me playing on the way home?” demanded Gilbert, provoked.

157“How could I when I was at work in the office?”

“Has any one reported to you that I stopped to play?”

“No.”

“Then why do you charge me with it?”

“Look here, young man, I advise you not to try any of your impudence on me!” said Simon Moore, who, knowing himself in the wrong, was all the more angry. “I tell you, once for all, that I won’t stand it.”

“I don’t intend to be impudent, Mr. Moore; but I do expect decent treatment from you.”

“You are showing your hand pretty quick, young man. No sooner does Mr. Sands leave the city than you begin to put on your airs. I shall take care to report your conduct to him.”

“I have neither done nor said anything that I am as............