Upon that ground Jack accepted the cottage with pleasure. Herbert tried to tempt him to make a visit to the East, but he was already in treaty for another mine, and would not go. The two stayed a day in Chicago on their way to Boston. “I wonder if Eben is still here?” thought Herbert. He soon had his question answered. In passing through a suburban portion of the great city, he saw a young man sawing wood in front of a mean dwelling, while a stout negro was standing near, with his hands in his pockets, surveying the job. He was the proprietor of a colored restaurant, and Eben was working for him. Alas, for Eben! The once spruce dry-goods clerk was now a miserable-looking tramp, so far as outward appearances went. His clothes were not only ragged, but soiled, and the spruce city acquaintances whom he once knew would have passed him without recognition. “Eben!” Eben turned swiftly as he heard his name called, and a flush of shame overspread his face. “Is it you, Herbert?” he asked, faintly. “Yes, Eben. You don't seem very prosperous.” “I never thought I should sink so low,” answered Eben, mournfully, “as to saw wood for a colored man.” “What are you talkin' about?” interrupted his boss, angrily. “Ain't I as good as a worfless white man that begged a meal of vittles of me, coz he was starvin'? You jest shut up your mouf, and go to work.” Eben sadly resumed his labor. Herbert pitied him, in spite of his folly and wickedness. “Eben, do you owe this man anything?” he added. “Yes, he does. He owes me for his dinner. Don't you go to interfere!” returned the colored man. “How much was your dinner worth?” asked Herbert, putting his hand into his pocket. “It was wuf a quarter.” “There is your money! Now, Eben, come with me.” “I've been very unfortunate,” wailed Eben. “Would you like to go back to Wayneboro?” asked Herbert. “Yes, anywhere,” answered Eben, eagerly. “I can't make a livin' here. I have almost starved sometimes.” “Eben, I'll make a bargain with you. If I will take you home, will you turn over a new leaf, and try to lead a regular and industrious life?” “Yes, I'll do it,” answered Eben. “Then I'll take you with me to-morrow.” “I shouldn't like my old friends to see me in these rags,” said Eben, glancing with shame at his tattered clothes. “They shall not. Come with me, and I will rig you out anew.” “You're a good fellow, Herbert,” said Eben, gratefully. “I'm sorry for the way I treated you.” “Then it's all right,” said Herbert. Herbert kept his promise. He took Eben to a barber shop, where there were also baths, having previously purchased him a complete outfit, and Eben emerged looking once more like the spruce dry-goods salesman of yore. *****