"I don't think he will see you. He is busy." "I am quite anxious to see him," persisted Ben. "Are you going to ask him to help you?" said his cousin. "Yes; to help me to a place." "I am sure he won't do it." "I would rather take the refusal from his lips," said Ben. "Oh, well, I suppose you can go and see him if you want to, but you will find that I am right." "I think I will see him, then." Clarence had been intending to go out at once, but it struck him that he would enjoy seeing his poor cousin rebuffed, and he accompanied Ben to the back of the store. "Father," he said, as he entered the office, followed by Ben, "here is Ben Baker, who wants to see you. I told him it would be of no use to ask you for help, but he doesn't believe me." Mr. Walton frowned ominously. "Well, boy," he said, frigidly, "so you have lost your place with Major Grafton?" "Yes, sir." "I am convinced that it was on account of misconduct on your part." "Is it quite right to condemn me before you have heard anything of the circumstances attending my leaving him?" said Ben, mildly. "Oh, I dare say you have some plausible story," sneered Mr. Walton; "but it won't produce any effect on me." "Still, sir, I will venture to say that I did not leave him on account of any misconduct on my own part." "Perhaps it was on account of misconduct on his part," said Mr. Walton, with a scornful laugh. "Yes, sir, it was." "Really, this is very amusing. Now let me know what you want of me." "Can you give me a place in your store, sir?" "No, I can't, or rather I will not," answered his uncle, curtly. "Will you use your influence to obtain me a position elsewhere?" "No, I won't, and I consider you very impudent to prefer the request." "You seem to forget, sir, that I am your nephew." "I chose to forget it, considering the disreputable manner in which you have behaved." "Then, you won't do anything for me, sir?" "No, decidedly no!" "I told you so," said Clarence, triumphantly. "You may as well go to selling papers." "He can do better than that," said a strange voice. "He can live on the interest of his money." Clarence and his father started in surprise, as the speaker, Filippo Novarro, entered the office. The merchant, recognizing him, turned pale. CHAPTER XL. CONCLUSION. "I see you know me, Mr. Walton," said the Cuban, quietly. "I have a few words to say to you. Do you wish your son to listen?" "Clarence, you may leave the office," said the merchant, in a husky voice. Clarence, whose curiosity was aroused, was very unwilling to go. "Sha'n't Ben go, too?" he asked. "Yes." "I beg pardon, but I wish him to remain," said the Cuban. "He is deeply concerned in what I have to say." Clarence was still more curious. He left the office, but he lingered within ear-shot.