Maurice Walton was no longer able to laugh at his rusticity, but, on the other hand, was forced to admit to himself, with a twinge of jealousy, that the rough, uncultured boy of former days had wholly eclipsed him in every desirable accomplishment, as well as in the solid branches. For Maurice spent his evenings in quite a different way from our hero--at the billiard-saloon or bar-room, or in wandering about the streets without object. The result was that Mr. Ferguson, detecting the difference between the two clerks, and recognizing the superior value of Gilbert, for he has now laid aside his street-name of Tom, promoted him much more rapidly than Maurice. The latter received but ten dollars a week, after three years' service, while our hero had been advanced to twenty. This was naturally felt by Maurice as a bitter grievance, and he sometimes complained of it to Gilbert himself. "Ferguson treats me meanly," he said, just after the last rise of Gilbert. "How is that, Maurice?" "He won't raise my salary. He is only going to give me ten dollars a week, the same as last year. How much is he going to give you?" "Twenty." "Just twice as much!" exclaimed Maurice, angrily. "He has no business to make any difference between us." "I wish he would give you twenty dollars, too," said Gilbert. "Do you?" asked Maurice, suspiciously. "Certainly. I am none the better off for your getting small pay." "If you really feel so, suppose you ask him to give me more." Gilbert hesitated. "I am afraid he would think I was interfering in his affairs." "Just as I thought. You were not in earnest in what you said. You like to triumph over me because I came here the same time you did, and only get half as much." Maurice spoke in a bitter tone, which might partly be excused by his mortification and disappointment. "You are quite mistaken, Maurice," said Gilbert. "I will believe that when you go to Mr. Ferguson and ask him to raise my salary." Gilbert reflected a moment, and then said, suddenly: "I'll do it." "You will?" asked Maurice, surprised. "Yes. He may be angry with me, but I'll risk it. Only if he refuses, you won't blame me?" "No, I won't. You're such a favorite with him that he may do it for you. When will you go?" "Now." Mr. Ferguson was sitting alone in his counting-room when Gilbert entered. "May I speak with you a moment, Mr. Ferguson?" he asked. "Yes, Gilbert. What is it?" "I hope you will excuse me for interfering in what is none of my business, but I promised Maurice I would speak to you." "Oh, it's on Maurice's business, is it?" said the merchant. "Yes, sir. He is very much disturbed because you have raised my salary, and have not raised his. I get twenty dollars a week, and he only ten." "He thinks it unjust, does he?" "Yes, sir." "Will you ask him to step into the office, and come back here yourself?" The two clerks were speedily in the presence of their employer.