He placed the bill in an inner pocket, and then, bidding the doctor good-night, Tom once more started for home. This time he reached it in safety, and he put the bill under his pillow when he went to bed. He said nothing about the little adventure to his mother or aunt, merely stating that he had been out late because of some business for his employer. Nor did he mention the happening to Mr. Townsend. The work at the book store became more exacting as Christmas approached, and as customers increased, Tom was kept busy from morning to night. He had to run on many errands, and he learned more of Boston than he had ever known before. He made many sales in the store, and several times he waited on Dr. Spidderkins, but the physician made no reference to Tom’s midnight visit. Probably he forgot all about it ten minutes after it occurred. Christmas eve Tom was up until after midnight, delivering books to late customers, and when he got back to the store about one o’clock in the morning, he found Mr. Townsend about to close up. “Tom,” said his employer, “you’ve done very good work for me, and I assure you I appreciate it. We don’t open to-morrow, and here’s a little remembrance for the Christmas season.” He handed our hero a book of adventures that Tom had long desired to possess. “I am sorry,” went on Mr. Townsend, “that I won’t be able to keep you after this week. You know I engaged you for the holiday rush, and that’s over now, so I won’t need so many clerks. I am sorry to have to let you go, as you suited me very well.” “I’m sorry, too,” said Tom frankly, “but, of course, I understood when you hired me that it was for the holiday season. I only hoped you could keep me.” “So did I, but I find I can not. Your week will not be up until Saturday, but as there will be little to do, you need not come in that day, nor Friday, though I will pay you for a full week. Here is the money. Now if you want a reference, to get another position, call on me. I will be glad to speak a good word for you.” “Thank you, Mr. Townsend.” “I think you can get work, somewhere,” went on the bookseller. “I wish I could keep you, but I can’t. Times are too dull. Good-night, Tom.” Tom went home with a heavy heart, in spite of the fact that it was Christmas morning, and that a book had been presented to him. He was out of work, and he did not know where to look for a situation. CHAPTER VII LOOKING FOR A SITUATION “Merry Christmas!” called Mrs. Baldwin, as she knocked on Tom’s door that morning. “Merry Christmas, Tom!” “Merry Christmas, mother!” he answered. He hurriedly dressed, trying to keep up a cheerful spirit, but it was hard work. He went downstairs, and handed to his mother and aunt each a pretty little booklet, which he had purchased at the Emporium at reduced prices. “Oh, Tom!” exclaimed his mother, “why didn’t you save your money? I haven’t been able to get anything for you except some new socks. You needed them very much.”