"Yes, sir; but I hope you won't be troubled at that. You will always be welcome here." Uncle Jacob's eyes grew moist, and he regarded Bert with affection. "You are a good boy and a true friend, Bert," he said, "and I shall not forget it." "I don't know but Percy was right, Uncle Jacob. It does seem extravagant paying such a price for a ride." "It's only for once in a way, Bert. You mustn't grudge the old man a little enjoyment in his vacation. I shall be going to work next week." "You will? Where?" asked Bert eagerly. "In New York. An old California friend of mine, who is in charge of a mine that has been put on the New York market, will give me a clerkship and a small salary which will support me in comfort. So you see I am all right." "I am very glad to hear it, Uncle Jacob," said Bert joyfully. "I was afraid you wouldn't find anything to do, and would have to spend all your money on living." "Come, Bert, that isn't much of a compliment to my ability. If I _am_ sixty-five, I am able to earn a living yet, and though twelve dollars a week isn't much----" "If I could earn twelve dollars a week I should feel rich, Uncle Jacob." "True, but you are only fifteen." "Almost sixteen." "I forgot that," said Uncle Jacob, smiling. "Well, even at sixteen, a boy can hardly expect to earn as much as twelve dollars a week. By the way, how much does Albert pay you?" "Four dollars a week." "Is that about the usual price for boys employed as you are?" "Most shoe bosses pay more. The squire pays low wages all round." "Then why don't the men go elsewhere?" "Because they live here, and it is better to work cheaper here than to move. Some have gone away." "Well, keep up your courage, Bert, and the time will come when you will be earning twelve dollars a week like your rich old uncle. If the office were only in Lakeville, so that I could board with your mother----" "I wish it was, Uncle Jacob." "Well, Mary, I shan't have to open a cigar store in Lakeville," remarked Uncle Jacob, as his niece entered the room. Mrs. Barton looked an inquiry, and Bert exclaimed: "Uncle Jacob has secured a clerkship in New York at twelve dollars a week." "I am _really_ glad!" said Mrs. Barton, with beaming face. "Come, Mary, did you too think, like Bert here, that I was headed for the poorhouse?" "I felt a little anxious for you, Uncle Jacob, I admit." "You see that your fears were idle." "Will you have to work very hard?" asked Mrs. Barton. "No; my employer is an intimate friend." "When do you commence work?" "Next Monday, so that I must leave you on Saturday." "Bert and I will both miss you; but as it is for your good, we won't complain. Now, Uncle Jacob, I hope you won't take it amiss if I urge you not to be too free with your money, but to try to save up some of your salary so that you can add to your little fund." "Thank you, Mary. I suppose you are afraid I will be driving fast horses in Central Park, eh?"