He reflected with satisfaction that he was being paid at the rate of a dollar a day, which was quite beyond anything he had ever before earned. Indeed, to-day he had earned sixty cents besides. The sum received for the fish. After supper Herbert went to the store to purchase some articles for his mother. He was waited on by Mr. Graham in person. As the articles called for would amount to nearly one dollar, the storekeeper said, cautiously: “Of course, you are prepared to pay cash?” “Certainly, sir,” returned Herbert. “I mentioned it because I knew your income was small,” said Ebenezer, apologetically. “It is more than it was last week,” said Herbert, rather enjoying the prospect of surprising the storekeeper. “Why, you ain't found anything to do, have you?” asked Mr. Graham, his face indicating curiosity. “Yes, sir; I am engaged as companion by Mr. Melville, who is staying at the hotel.” “I don't know what he wants of a companion,” said the storekeeper, with that disposition to criticise the affairs of his neighbors often found in country places. “He thinks he needs one,” answered Herbert. “And how much does he pay you now?” queried Ebenezer. “Six dollars a week.” “You don't mean it!” ejaculated the storekeeper. “Why, the man must be crazy!” “I don't think he is,” said Herbert, smiling. “Got plenty of money, I take it?” continued Ebenezer, who had a good share of curiosity. “Yes; he tells me he is rich.” “How much money has he got?” “He didn't tell me that.” “Well, I declare! You're lucky, that's a fact!” There was an interested listener to this conversation in the person of Eben, who had been in the store all day, taking Herbert's place. As we know, the position by no means suited the young man. He had been employed in a store in Boston, and to come back to a small country grocery might certainly be considered a descent. Besides, the small compensation allowed him was far from satisfying Eben. He was even more dissatisfied when he learned how fortunate Herbert was. To be selected as a companion by a rich young man was just what he would have liked himself, and he flattered himself that he should make a more desirable companion than a mere boy like Herbert. As our hero was leaving the store, Eben called him back. “What was that you were telling father about going round with a young man from the city?” he asked. Herbert repeated it. “And he pays you six dollars a week?” asked Eben, enviously. “Yes; of course, I shouldn't have asked so much, but he fixed the price himself.” “You think he is very rich?” said Eben, thoughtfully. “Yes, I think so.” “What a splendid chance it would be for me!” thought Eben. “If I could get intimate with a man like that, he might set me up in business some day; perhaps take me to Europe, or round the world!” “How much of the time do you expect to be with this Mr. Melville?” he asked. Herbert answered the question. “Does he seem like a man easy to get along with?” “Very much so.”