Harry often wondered how he could afford to ride out and visit the theatre and other places of amusement so frequently. His salary was only five dollars a week now; it was only four when he had said it was five. He seemed to have money at all times, and to spend it very freely. He could not help believing that the contents of his pill box had paid for some of the "stews" and "Tom and Jerrys" which his reckless chum consumed. But the nine dollars he had lost would have been but a drop in the bucket compared with his extravagant outlays. One day, about six months after Harry's return from Rockville, as he was engaged behind the counter, a young man entered the store and accosted him. "Halloo, Harry! How are you?" It was a familiar voice; and, to Harry's surprise, but not much to his satisfaction, he recognized his old companion, Ben Smart, who, he had learned from Mr. Bryant, had been sent to the house of correction for burning Squire Walker's barn. "How do you do, Ben?" returned Harry, not very cordially. "So you are here--are you?" "Yes, I have been here six months." "Good place?" "First rate." "Any chance for me?" "No, I guess not." "You have got a sign out for a boy, I see." It was true they had. There were more errands to run than one boy could attend to; besides, Harry had proved himself so faithful and so intelligent, that Mr. Wake wished to retain him in the store, to fit him for a salesman. "You can speak a good word for me, Harry; for I should like to work here," continued Ben. "I thought you were in--in the--" Harry did not like to use the offensive expression, and Ben's face darkened when he discovered what the other was going to say. "Not a word about that," said he. "If you ever mention that little matter, I'll take your life." "But how was it?" "My father got me out, and then I ran away. Not a word more, for I had as lief be hung for an old sheep as a lamb." "There is Mr. Wake; you can apply to him," continued Harry. Ben walked boldly up to Mr. Wake, and asked for the place. The senior talked with him a few moments, and then retired to his private office, calling Harry as he entered. "If you say anything, I will be the death of you," whispered Ben, as Harry passed him on his way to the office. Our hero was not particularly pleased with these threats; he certainly was not frightened by them. "Do you know that boy, Harry?" asked Mr. Wake, as he presented himself before the senior. "I do, sir." "Who is he, and what is he?" "His name is Benjamin Smart. He belongs to Redfield." "To Redfield? He said he came from Worcester." "I believe Mr. Bryant told you the story about my leaving Redfield," said Harry. "He did." "That is the boy that run away with me." "And the one that set the barn afire?" "Yes, sir." "That is enough." And Harry returned to his work at the counter. "What did he say to you?" asked Ben. Before Harry had time to make any reply, Mr. Wake joined them.