After a final word or two on business matters, and arrangements for another interview, the visitor departed, and Mr. Danforth, now at leisure, turned to Paul. “Now my lad,” he said kindly, “if you will follow me, we shall have a chance to talk a little.” Paul followed the merchant into his office, the door of which was closed, much to the regret of Dawkins, who had a tolerably large share of curiosity, and was very anxious to find out what business Paul could possibly have with his employer. “Take that seat, if you please;” said Mr. Danforth, motioning Paul to an arm-chair, and sitting down himself, “Mrs. Danforth told me from how great a peril you rescued her. You are a brave boy.” “I don't know,” said Paul, modestly, “I didn't think of the danger. If I had, perhaps I should have hesitated.” “If you had not been brave you would have thought of your own risk. My wife and myself are under very great obligations to you.” “That more than repays me for all I did,” said Paul, in a tone of mingled modesty and manliness. “I like the boy,” thought Mr. Danforth; “he is certainly quite superior to the common run.” “Have you left school?” he inquired, after a pause. “Yes, sir. Last term closed my school life.” “Then you have never been in a situation.” “Yes, sir.” “Indeed! Before you left school?” “No, sir, since.” “You did not like it, then?” “No, sir,” said Paul. “And was that the reason of your leaving?” “No, sir; my employer was not satisfied with me,” said Paul, frankly. “Indeed! I am surprised to hear this! If you have no objection, will you tell me the circumstances?” Paul related in a straightforward manner the difficulty he had had with Smith & Thompson. “I hope you don't think I did wrong,” he concluded. “By no means,” said Mr. Danforth, warmly. “Your conduct was entirely creditable. As for Smith, I know of him. He is a sharper. It would have done you no good to remain in his employ.” Paul was pleased with this commendation. He had thought it possible that his dismissal from his former situation might operate against him with the merchant. “What are your present plans and wishes?” asked Mr. Danforth, after a slight pause. “I should like to enter a merchant's counting-room,” said Paul, “but as such places are hard to get, I think I shall try to get into a store.” Mr. Danforth reflected a moment, then placing a piece of paper before our hero, he said, “Will you write your name and address on this piece of paper, that I may know where to find you, in case I hear of a place?” Paul did as directed. He had an excellent handwriting, a point on which the merchant set a high value. The latter surveyed the address with approval, and said, “I am glad you write so excellent a hand. It will be of material assistance to you in securing a place in a counting-room. Indeed, it has been already, for I have just thought of a place which I can obtain for you.” “Can you, sir?” said Paul, eagerly. “Where is it?”