"How vulgar the old man is!" thought Mrs. Marlowe. "He may have money, but his tastes are _very_ common." "We never have corned beef and cabbage here," she said, with a slight shudder. "Very likely Bert Barton's mother has it very often," suggested Percy. "My dear," said the squire, urbanely, "if Uncle Jacob really enjoys those dishes so much, you might provide them for his special use." "I will think of it," replied Mrs. Marlowe, shortly. Now that Uncle Jacob had hinted at the possession of wealth, Squire Marlowe beheld him as one transfigured. He was no longer a common, shabby old man, but a worthy old gentleman of eccentric ideas in the matter of wardrobe and manners. "I wonder if Uncle Jacob wouldn't advance me twenty-five thousand dollars," was the thought that was passing through his mind as he gazed genially at his countrified guest. "It would help me amazingly in my business, and enable me to do double as much. I will mention it to him in good time." "I've a great mind to come upon the old man for a handsome birthday present," thought Percy. "Fifty dollars wouldn't be much for him to give. I shan't get more than a fiver from the governor." "Uncle Jacob," said the squire, as they rose from the table, "suppose you walk over to the factory with me; I should like you to see it." "Nothing would please me better," said Jacob Marlowe, briskly. "Will you come along, Percy?" asked his father. "No, papa," answered Percy, with a grimace. "You know I don't like the smell of leather." "_I_ ought not to dislike it," said the squire, with a smile, "for it gives me a very handsome income." "Oh, it's different with you," returned Percy. "Just give me the profits of the factory and I'll go there every day." "He's a sharp one!" said the squire, with a smile. "I am afraid he is too sharp to suit me," thought Uncle Jacob. "It seems to me the boy's mind runs upon money, and his own interests." The shoe factory was a large building of two stories, and within it was a hive of industry. As the squire led the way he explained the various workings to the old man, who was really curious and interested. It was on a larger scale than was common at the time he left for California, and the use of machinery had to a greater extent supplemented and superseded the work of the hands. Finally they came to a room where several boys were pegging shoes, for this work was still done in the old-fashioned way. Uncle Jacob's eyes lighted up when in one of them he recognized Bert Barton. He hurried forward, and put his hand on Bert's shoulder. "So this is your business," he said. "Yes," answered Bert, with a smile. "Do you find it hard work?" "Oh, no! That is, I am used to it. It used to tire me at first." "Did you tell your mother I was in town?" "Yes," answered Bert, "and she says she hopes you will call." "To be sure I will. I may call this evening."