"A great deal, my friend. The premium must be paid down at once, and that guarantees your son the place." "How much do you ask?" "The merchant I refer to is willing to pay two hundred dollars, but between ourselves I don't favor engaging his son. I have been told that he drinks. I hope your son doesn't drink?" "Ephraim drinks cider at Thanksgivin', but he never drinks anything stronger." "I am glad to hear it. Intemperance is very objectionable in our business. Now about the premium. I will agree to take your son for a hundred and fifty dollars, though I have never before accepted less than two hundred." "A hundred and fifty dollars is a good deal of money," said Ezekiel, cautiously. "So it is, but think of the advantages. Think of his getting seventy-five dollars a month, to begin with. Why in six months I shall probably raise him to a hundred dollars a month." Ezekiel Onthank was dazzled, and Clayton saw that he was. He felt that he had almost landed the fish for which he was angling. "I guess I'll take a day to think on't," said the farmer. "I would advise you to accept at once. The other party may get in ahead of you." "Can't you give us the refusal of it for a day?" "Really I don't see how I can." "A hundred and fifty dollars is a good deal of money, and I want to think it over." "My dear friend, I don't see the need of it. Such situations are not to be had every day. Why, the young man's salary the first year, supposing he were promoted in six months, would amount to over a thousand dollars. Deducting the premium, that would leave your son nearly nine hundred dollars. That's a good income, isn't it?" "Yes, so 'tis. Why our minister only gets six hundred dollars a year, and he's a man of forty-odd." "Exactly. You see what a brilliant prospect Ephraim will have. Really I ought to insist on the full premium of two hundred dollars." Clayton did his utmost to induce the farmer to decide at once, but Mr. Onthank had promised Rupert not to do anything without talking the matter over with him, and he kept his word. "Well," said Clayton, "I'll give in to you. I'll give you twenty-four hours to think over the matter, but of course I must ask you to pay me something for the favor. Give me five dollars on account of the premium, and you shall have a day to make up your mind." This Mr. Onthank finally agreed to, and when the matter was settled they walked back to the Somerset Hotel. "You had better not say much about our negotiation," Clayton advised, "till the matter is decided." CHAPTER XIII. CLAYTON'S DISAPPOINTMENT. Josiah Onthank never for a moment doubted the good faith of the clever swindler who was dazzling him with the prospect of a fine situation for his son. He was a man well to do, and over and above his farm was easily worth five thousand dollars in bonds and money interest.