Paul's bright eyes smiled, full of fun. 'I'll have fifty thousand dollars, straight, and a library like that in the Atheneum.' 'You want shoeing more,' was Scheffer's dry response; and, turning from the youth, he went back to his counter, and emptied thereon a large box of patent leathers, which he began to assort. Gradually Paul approached, and at last he took up a pair of the boots, and asked the price. Scheffer named it; Paul threw them down again. 'You might as well ask fifty dollars as three. It's you fellows who have all the money.' 'Do you think so?' answered Scheffer; and he began to collect his goods again, and to pack them in separate boxes. He was careful, however, to throw aside the pair that had tempted Mitchell to confess a truth. At last, when the counter was cleared, he took the boots, and said to the boy, pointing to one of the sofas: 'Sit down there, my man.' Paul did as bidden. Scheffer untied his shoestring, drew off the dusty, worn-out shoe, and tried the pair in his hand. The fit was perfect. Then Scheffer looked up, and, without rising, asked: 'How long have you to study before you graduate?' 'Five years.' 'Why do you speak in that way?' 'How did I speak?' asked Paul. 'Discouraged like.' 'You're mistaken.' 'Am I? Then why look so solemn? I'd like your chance.' 'You would!' exclaimed Paul, incredulous. 'Why, you had such a chance yourself once, and you didn't accept it, if they know the facts at home.' Scheffer stood up. 'Who says that?' he asked, quietly. Still, the question had a hurried sound to Paul. '_Did_ any one in that house remember!' 'Josephine told me so. She thinks you made a wise choice. So do I. I wish I was as well off as you are, doing something for a support. And it was on account of your mother you made the choice! But my mother insists on my having a profession. Stuff! But nobody seems satisfied. That's one kind of consolation.' Scheffer was silent for a moment. Half of Paul's words were unheard; but enough had struck through sense to spirit, and he said: 'Do you want to be shod for the next five years? I'll strike a bargain with you, Paul.' 'What can I do for you?' asked the astonished lad. 'I'll tell you, and if you don't like it, why, no matter--that's all.' And Scheffer added, in an earnest tone: 'I don't know but it's living near the college, hearing the bell ring, and seeing the fellows with their books, has bewitched me; any way, I'm thinking I must have an education, and I wish to get it systematically. I always thought I could have it when I chose; but if I don't bestir myself, I shall not be able to choose much longer.' August wiped his forehead as he spoke; but he had said it. Gravely, anxiously he looked at Paul. He could have forgiven him even a smile. But Paul did not smile. Neither did he hesitate too long to rob his words of grace. 'What will you study?' he asked. 'Whatever you set me at.' 'Latin?'