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THE BURLINGTON FREB PRUSS: THURSDAY. Al'RIL 7, nun, it born dance, sho wm always there and never lacked partners, nnd when the Jolly pnrty rode hotue In n big wagon filled with Btraw It was Iter votco that nlwnys started "The Quilting Party'' or other old time ballad usually inspir ed by moonlight. When a strawberry festival was In order at the church, she wns given a post of honor, and when Christmas decorations were necessary every young man felt It a privilege to obey her orders. At home she was the amo winsome little queen and hud no more devoted subject than her brother. Tor n month after the funeral ho worried n good deal. He knew that Mils had been left unpaid through his mother's Illness and that the family were In straitened circumstance:. Ills own law practice so far had yielded scant returns, nnd what to do and where to turn was a puzzle. Ho wrote to a former classmate whoso futhet was a prominent merchant In Itostnn stating his situation and asking advice. It was two weeks ere he received a re ply, nnd then, though a cordial lettci of sympathy, It did not go far toward solving the problem. .V week later, however, came a letter from a lawyoi In thai city of the name of Fryo offer ing him n position as assistant In his oilieo at n smalt salary. It was so small , that Albert thought It a hopeless task to pay home expends out of It nnd leavo anything toward tbelr debts. It was more than his present Income, how rver, nnd yet to accept the offer and leave Aunt Susan and Alice alone seemed hard. On the other hand, to borrow money on what little of the farm was left did not help matters, foi when that was gone what then? Matters camo to a climax one day nnd ended his Indecision. He had been uway from his olllce nil that afternoon taking u long stroll in the woods to os rape his) loneliness, and, returning at lea lime, found a .cloud on his sister's face. "Mr. ITobbs failed this afternoon," Fhe said as they sat down to the table, "and asked for you. Said he went to your ottice and, not finding yon in, amo here." And then she added, with n quher in her voice, "Oh, Iicrtle, we owe him over a hundred dollars!" Tlie trouble was all out now, and Al Jiert lookeil gloomy. '.'I don't think any more of him for coming here to dun His," he answered savagely. "He might liave waited until lie saw me." "Oil, he was very nice about it," re sponded Alice, "and begged my pardon for speaking of It. Ho said there was no hurry, only that lie had made out his bill as a matter of form, etc.. and we could pay It when convenient." Albert made no further comment, but when the meal was ended said, Tome out on the porch, sis, and let a. talk matters over." She followed him, feeling there was trouble coming, and, drawing her low chair next to his. placed one elbow on his chair arm and covered her face with that hand. For a few moments he remained silent, watching the fireflies beginning their evening dance over the meadow and listening to the distant call of a whip poorwill. Across the valley the village lights were coining in sight one by one, nnd a faint odor of new mown hay came to him. The pathetic little figure at his side unnerved him, how ever, and he dreaded to say what he must Well, sis," he said at last, "I've kept matters from you as long as I can. We not only owe Hobbs a good deal, hut as much more In smaller bills to oth ers, and there is no money to pay them. I've worried about them more than you know or than I cared to have you. One of two things must be done, either borrow money and pay these bills or I must go away and earn some." Then the little head beside him sunk slowly to his chair, and as lie began stroking it ho added: "I've written to Frank Nason, my old college chum, and through him havo received a fair offer to go to Hnstnn and have decided to accept it. I shall leave here as soon as I can get ready." The trouble was wowing serious now, and as he ceased speaking he caught the sound of a suppressed job. "Dou't cry, Alice," he said tewderly; ''it can't lie helped. Our home must be broken up some time, and It may is well be now as any other. The thing that worries me most is leaving foil and Aunt Susan here alone." Then the sobs increased, and the boweil form beside him shook. "Oh, llertie," she said at last in a rhoked voice, "don't leave, us here idone. Let us sell the old house, pay the bills, and it you must go nway let us. go too." "'n, dear, that is not best," he an swi red softly. "I can't earn enough at first to do it. You will have to stay heie till I can." Then the proud spirit that hud come ti Alice l'age from many generations of self helpful ancestors spoke, nnd she said as she raised her head and brushed away the tears: "If you are to leave me here I shall go to work as well, I can teach school or do some thing to help you, and I shall too." Her defiant little speech hurt Albert Just a bit, nnd yet he felt proud of her for It, "It may be best for you if you could get a chance to tench," he re sponded, "and it will help me some and take up your mind, which Is worth n good deal." lint tlie worst was to come, and the evening beforo his departure she nevei forgot. There were some consolations to exchange, however, for slie had seen Mr. Mears of the school committee nnd obtained a position to teacli the north district school In Sandgate, a small byroad schoolliouse two miles from her home, and felt a little pride In telling nbout it, while ho had to re port that all whom they owed had promised to wait patiently for thelt dues. "Mr. llobbs even offered to lend me money if I needed It," he said aflei they had talked matters over, "and so, you see, we have a good many frlendi In Sandgate after all. And now 1 want you to slug a few of the old songs foi me, so that I can have them to think about when 1 am lonesome and home sick," Hut the singing wns a failure, for Al ice broke down In the middle of the first song, and they had to go out nnd watch the fireflies onco more while she conquered her tears. "You will write t" me every day won't you, Iicrtle V she asked dlscon politicly as they waited the nest morn ing for the train that was to separate them. "I shall be bo UneMme and blu nil the time!" When he kissed her goodby she could not apeak, and the last tin saw as the train bore him nway wns that sweet sister's face trying bravely to smile through Its tears, like the sua peeping out of n cloud, CHAPTER IV. F nil thu smooth, elusive vul tures lurking In the shnilow of the templo of justice or perch ing upon It Nicholas Krye, ot "Old Nick," ns many called him, was the most cunning. Nor did his looks belle the comparison, for he had deep set, shifty, yellow gray eyes, a hooked nose, and his thin locks, dyed Jet black, formed a ring about his bald poll. He walked with a sloop, as If scanning the ground for evidence or clows, and 16 add to ills marked individuality when he talked lie rubbed his hands together ns though wnshlng them with Invisible soap, it wns not from any sense of cleanliness that ho did this, for they had many times been soiled willingly In the most nefarious transactions. A client was to him a victim to bo kept In waiting, ijiaspcrated in regard to his grievances by all possilde means, de luded as to his chances of success in quest of Justice, deceived as to its cost and robbed in every way known to an astute lawyer. He had been the legal adviser of John Nason for many years, and when that busy merchant came to liliu on bchnlf of his son, who wanted to llnd a position for Albert l'age, Krye readi ly promised to give him employment. It was not because he needed him, but because he saw at once that through some friendship for this young sprig of the law, as he intuitively considered Albert to be, he could strengthen his hold upon the father and obtain some secrets that might eventually be used to rob him. In plain words, he thought to use this young country lawyer as a spy. He knew that John Nason felt a keen Interest In his only son Frank, and that was another reason for em ploying that son'" friend. He knew ulo that Frank was given u liberal allowance, spent It rapidly and most likely would be getting into various scrapes needing a lawyer's efforts to rescue him, and so he would have fur ther pickings in that direction. These were two good reasons for his ostensi ble acts of kindness, and so he at once sent for Page to come. When, the morning after his arrival In Iloston, Albert presented himself at Frye's olllce, he found that lawyer busy reading his mail. "Takw a seat, sir," said Fryo politely, after Albert had introduced himself, "and excuse me until I go through my letters." And then for a long half hour 'Albert was left to study the bare office walls and peculiar looks of his future employer. Finally Frye turned to him ami asked rather abruptly, "Well, Mr. Page, what do you know about hra7" at the same time scanning hlin as If expecting to see hayseed ad hering to his garments. "Not much perhaps." replied Albert modestly, uncertain of his ground. "I have been in practice only a year at Sandgate, and the few people there do not have much use for a lawyer." "Then why didn't you stir 'em up a llttlo and bring 'em to see they needed your services';" was Frye's next query. "You will never succeed as a lawyer unless you make business. Did you bring your sheepskin with you?" "No, sir," answered Page. "I didn't think it necessary after what I wrote you. 1 have it in ray trunk." "Well, bring It tomorrow," said Frye. "I make It a rule to take nothing for granted and havo everything in writ ing." And then he added, with n searching look, us If tie was about to utter a crusher, "What Is your idea of a lawyer's chief object in existence?" Page was a little nonplused. "Oh, I suppose," he replied slowly, "to see that laws are properly executed and Justice done." Frye looked at him a full minute without making any further comment, wlilie a sardonic grin gradually drew his lips apart, showing a full set ot false teeth, and then, as he began rub bing his hands together, he said: "It's evident, young man, you havo much to learn in your profession. Laws are made for lawyers and are the tool" ' of our trade. If the world does not see I fit to use those tools, it Is our business to make them, and, as for Justice, that Is an allegory, useful in addressing a Jury, but considered a fable by the Judge. Laws are useful to oppose otli cr laws with, and .irious decisions art only good In so far as they help you! case and Irtuder your opponent's. "You seem an honest appearing young man, which Is well no fur as our rela tions bo, but no further. I want an as sistant, o-i" who Is ready and will lng to do Just as I direct and to ask nr questions. Do you think you can till the bill?" "1 can try," replied Albert quietly "and as soon as I get used to youi methods of procedure hero I think 1 can succeed." He was a little startled at the pecul iar character of his employer and In a way slightly disgusted, but he was not In a position to cavil or feel squeamish over apparent lack of honesty and re solved at once to Ignore It. "What do you wish me to do?" he continued after a moment. "I will da the best I can for you and am ready to go to work now." "You are to be at the office at t; o'clock sharp," replied Frye, "take one hour for lunch and remain till C," Then he added by way of a spin to ills slave's fidelity "I am paying you $7f a month on the recommend of an Important client of mine who want ed to humor his sou. It was your good luck to have this son's friendship, in he belongs to a wealthy family. He Is a spendthrift, of course, but that it no matter and all the better for us Tnko my advlco and cultivate him all -ou can. It may be the means ot bringing us more business. What I say to you I shall expect you to con sider a professional secret, and I hope you will make good use of your time when with this young friend of yours and heed well what 1 have said to you." That ended the Interview, and Albeit was set at work copying legal docu incuts and at the samo time trying to reconcile himself to his new surround lugs, 'that night he wrote to Alice. "I have hired out to a mobt unmitlgat cd old scoundrel and yet one of the sharpest lawyers I ever met. Ho as sured mi I must lay aside my 'Con science If 1 mean to succeed, and hint ed that he might use me later on as a sort of spy, upon Frank, I Imagine. He employs u stenographer of uncer tain sue, who comes In and takes dic tation and does her work outside. The only stupid thing he has said was to WHrn me not to flirt with her." Then lie wrote to his friend Frank, telling him where ho was located, thanking him for his assistance and begging him to call nt an early date. After that he smoked for an hour In glum silence. Ills room was small and cheerle.ss ami in comparison with his home rjtinrters n mere den. Hut It was a question of saving, and the lux ury of spaet! even he could not ntTord. There Is no more lonesome place In thu wide world than a great city to one born and bred amid the freedom of the wide fields and extended wood inmls, as Albert had been, and now that he was shut In by brick walls all day and Imprisoned In one small room at night, with a solitary window opening on an area devoted to ash barrels and garbage, It made him homesick. He was a dreamer by nature and loved the music of running brooks, the rustling of winds In the forest and the song of blnls. rue grand out inoiiu tains that sun minded Sandgate had been the delight of his boyhood, and to fish in the clear streams that tumbled down through narrow gorges mid wound amid wide meadows or In the lily dotted millpond his pastime. He had the artist's nature in him al-o and " ' loved dearly to sketch a pretty bit of! natural scenery, a cascade in the brook or a shady giotto In the woods. He loved books, flower., music, green meadows, shady woods and fields white with dalslei, He had been reared among kind hearted, honest, Cod fear ing people who seldom locked their doors at night and who believed in and lived by the Ootden Rule. The selfish and distrustful life of n great city, with its arrogance ami wealth and vanity of display, was not akin to him, and to put himself at the beck and call of a mercenary and utterly unscrupulous old villain, r.s he believed Frye to be. was gall and bitterness. For two weeks be worked patiently, hoping each day that the one and only friend the city held for him would call, passing his evenings, as he wrote Alice, "in reading, smoking and hating myself a little and Frye a good deal." He had hesitated to wrIj.o Frank la the first place, disliking to ask favors, hut It could not be helped, and now ho began to feel that his friend meant ti, liruore him. This humiliating conclu sion was growing to a certainty anil Albert feeling more homesick than evci when one afternoon while he was, as usual, hard at work In Frye's nflles Frank came in. "Pray excuse lite, old man," remark ed that youth briskly afier the first greetings, "for not calling sooner, but 1 was off on my yacht about the time yon came, and then I ran down to Now York to take in the cup races. You see I'm so busy I do not get any time tc myself. I want you to come over tc the club and lunch with me today, anil we can talk matters over." "You will kindly excuse me." replied Albert. "1 have a lot of work cut out and am only allowed o.ne hour foi lunch. Can't you come around to m room tonight and have a smoke talk?" "Maybe." replied Frank, "and we can go around to the club later. You will meet some good fellows there, anil we always make up a game of draw -small limit, you know. Say, old man,' he added Interestedly, "how do yon like Frye?" As that worthy happened to be out Just then the two friends had a good j cnatice io excnaiige opinions. Alliens is already known, but, for reasons, lit, did not care to express It to Frank at this time. "Frye Is a shrewd lawyer, I pre sume," he answered, "and so far I have no fault to find. Ho takes good care to see 1 havo work enough, but that is what I am hired for, ami 1 linvt been rather lonesome and glad of It.' Then to change the subject he added "I want to thank you once more, Frank, for setting me the place Things were in a bad way at home and I needed It." "You may thank dad, not me," re plied Frank. "I was Just going off ot! a trip when your letter came, and 1 turned the matter over to him. Frye's his attorney, you see." "Are you personally well acquainted with Mr. Frye?" asked Albeit, having an object In mind. "No. not at nil, except, by sight," was the answer. "I believe he is con sidered a very sharp lawyer and al most invariably wins his cases. Dail says he has won out many times when the law was all against him and is not overset upuluiis how he does It They say he is rich and a sklntllnt He always reminds me of a hungry buzzard." Albert thought of Hums' apt cyn iclsm just tnen ami wished that Frye might for one moment see himself ns, others saw him. He felt tempted to tell Frank Just what l'ryo had said and what his opinion of him was, but wisely kept It to himself. "Well, I must be going." said Frank at last. "I've got a date for the mat. this aft., so ta-ta. I'll call round some eve. at your room and take you up to the club." When his friend had departed, Albert resumed hli rather monotonous copying the gist of a lot of decisions hearing upon a case that Frye had pending Just then, and when he went out to lunch it was, as usual, alone and to a cheap restaurant "it's nice to lyivo a rich father, a yocht, plenty of money and nothing to do but spend it," he said to himself rue fully thnt night as he sat In his cheer less room smoking and dwelling upon the picture of a gay life as disclosed by his friend. "Hut we are not all born to fortune, and perhaps, after all, I might be worse off," which, to say the least, is tho best way to look at It. CHAPTER V. W HEN, a few days after Frank had called upon Page, the lat ter chanced to mention it to Fryo, lie made a note of it. "1 am glad," he said cordially, "that your friend Ims hunted you up. I knew lie was away on his yacht when yon came nnd was going to suggest that you call on him ns soon as I knew lis was at home. As I told yon, cultivate him all you catj. He will serve as n door to get you Into good society. When did he call?" "It was one day while you were out," answered Page, "and be invited me to lunch with him nt his club." "Which, of course, you did?" said Krye. "No, sir. I knew I shouldn't have time for it during my ono hour, and, then, you had given me u lot of work to do that day." A shade of annoyance came over Frye's face. "Well, that's all right, of course," ho said, "but when he culls again take all the time you need If he asks you out, and," with n scrutinizing look at Page, "as I said, cultlvato him. Il's busi ness. Ills father Is my mom valued client, and the more Intimate you be come with his son the sooner you will have an acquaintance that will be of value to you." Page could Hot quite fathom all this, but the more lie thought of what Frye had said the more certain hu became that kindly regard for his own welfare did not enter Into that shrewd schem er's calculations. He wns more and more disgusted also each day with his employer's cynical Indifference to all sense of honor and honesty, com ng to the conclusion i that he was no ! better than a thief at heart. Iteneath Albert's disposition to adapt himself to those lie mingled with lay a vein of sterling good sense, line honor and tlie energy of self sacrifice, if necessary, and Frye's attributes til... .... ... I.- h" ""' ' nilll'l,V I, Mil - . x,,i,,KV. IK U M U never indulged In much "larking," nnd Just why tic bond of friendship h tween himself and the good natured, self indulgent, happy go lucky class mate, Frank Nason, had been cement ed is hard to explain, except upon the theory of an attraction of opposltes. When, a few days later, that young man appeared at the oftice Just befor closing time and suggested they "go out for n night's1' racket," ns he phrased it, Albert was not inclined to accept. "What are you up to?" he said as they wnlked away from the office, "and what do you mean by a racket' If It's likely to be expensive, count me out; 1 can't afford it." "Well," answered Frank lightly, "you are working too hard nnd need shak ing up, so I thought I'd drop round and do It. We will dlno nt the club, then go to the opera house, where there is a burlesque on nnd no end of pretty chorus girls. I know two or three of them, and after the show wo will take them out to supper." "It's all right except the end-up," answered Albert, "and on that I think you had best bklp me. As I said, ll't a diversion I can't afford. I've no money to spare to buy wine for ballet girls." "Oil, that's all right," responded Frank cheerfully. "I've asked you out and It's my treat. I'll pay the shot this time." "I shall pay my share If I go," as serted Albert firmly, "but I would rath er omit the after part. We will have the evening together, and then you can go and entertain your chorus girls, and I'll go to my room." It wns a laudable resolution, but it came hard, for beneath all Albert's good resolves was lurking desire for a little excitement to break the dull mo notony of his life. He had been to thf theater only twice since he came to Huston, desiring to save in every way he could, and only the week before had sent Alice one-thiid of his first month's salary. At the club Frank Introduced him to seeral of his frieuds, and of course they were asked to Join them in a boi-lal glass, which did not tend tc strengthen Albert's resolution. At the theater the exhilarating music and the glitter of a stage full of pretty girls had their effect, ami by the time the show as over be found It Impossible to resist his friend's urging that they go around to the stage door and meet the girls lie had invited to sup with them. "Mind you, let me pay my share," i whispered Page, anil then he found himself being introduced by his first name to two highly colored queens of the ballet, and all tour proceeded at once to a private supper room. Albert found the girls bright, vivacious and expressive, as far as a superficial uo of slang gois. They ordered the choic est and highest priced items on the bill , l)f ,..,, ., miked about their "mashes' in other cities in a way that made Al bert grateful that he had been Intro duced by hi first name only. When in the wee small hours they escorted tlie two girls to their boarding place, Page was glad to be rid of them, and when he reached his room lie did not feel particularly proud of himself. He felt less so the next morniug when he received a letter from Alice which read: My Darllns Brother I was so pleased wlnm 1 received your loving letter und tho money you sent You do not know how it hurts me to feel wo owe ho much, and 1 linvii cried over It more than you will ever know. -Last week I received my first month 'a pay j.io-nna i was very promt of it, for It is ttio fit st money I er anitil. I tooic nair ana put It with llu twi-iit.v-llv you stmt ami a.ve it to Mr. tlcililis. I have only S'i loft, for I had to liny surne boots ami kIovc.h, but thnt will last 1119 a month, for l'v not the heart to spend a ti"nny 1 am nut obliged to until tlm debts lire paid, t hud to buy thu boots because walkhiK four miles u day wears them out very fast. And h hud spent ?20 the night be foro to hear a couple of ballet slrls talk slang! CHAPTER VI. GK wns a llttlo late at the of fice the next morning, and H21 Frye was there a lies d of him 1 D9BD "I was nut with young Na , son last evening," he explained as the old lawyer bade him a rather crusty good morning, "and I overslept." "Oh, that Is all right," responded Frve In an instantaneously sweetened tone. "I am glad you were, and, as I told you, you are wise to cultivate lilin. I suppose," he continued, with a leer, "that you were buying wiuu for soniu of the gay girls Page looked confused, "Well, wo went to tho theiftur and after that had n late supper," he oxplalned, "and it was after I before I returned to my room." "I don't enre how Into you are out or what you did," said Krye, still ey ing Page, "so long as you were with young Nason and kept out of the lock up, HW father pays mo a salary to look after ills business, nnd ills son Is the prldo of his heart. I trust you understand my inclining. If you don't feel like work this morning," he con tinued suavely, "mount your wheel and take a run out to Winchester and see If that mortgage on the Seaver estate has been satisfied. The exercise and air will do you good." Page was nonplused. "He has some deep laid plot In hi mind," he thought as he looked nt Frye. He wns glad to escape tho oftlce, however, for his head felt full of bees, and, thanking his employer for the permission, he quickly left the city be hind him. The crisp October nlr nnd exercise soon drovn HWay some of the self reproaches at his own foolish con duct of the night before. The errand at Winchester wns at tended to, and then lie headed back fot the city, taking another course. Hy the time he reached town he wns faint from hunger, for he had eaten no breakfast. A good dinner restored him to his natural self possession, and then he went to the otllce. For a week he reproached himself every time he thought how much his escapade had cost and felt too ashamed to answer Alice's letter. When ho did he assured thnt innocent sister that he was saving all ho could and should send more money as soon as possible. Frank called twice and the second time urged him to Join tlie club, to which Page assented. "It will serve as a place lo spend a lonesome evening," lie thought. Several times Fryo had made casual Inquiries as to the progress of his in tlmucy with young Nason, ail of which led Page to wonder what his object was and why it concerned him. At last, ono day at closing time and after he had told the ofiice boy hu might go, l'ryo let a little light Into that enigma. "Sit down a moment, Mr. Page," he remarked as the latter was preparing to leave. "I have a proposition of an Important nature to make to you." And then as he fixed his merciless eyes on his clerk and began to slowly rub his lmnds together he continued: "You have been nearly three months in my employ, Mr. Page, and have fulfilled your duties satisfactorily. I think tht time has come when I may safely en large them a little. As I told you, John Nason pays me a yearly retainet to attend to all his law business. 1 have reason to feel he Is not entirely satisfied to continue that arrangement, and I am forced to find some way lo bring a little pressure to bear on him in order that lie may see It is for his interest to still retain tne. "Now, I believe John Nason Is not en tirely happy In his homo relations and that ti certain young lady receives a share of his attentions. While they are never seen In public together, gossip links their names. What I want is for you to find out through your acquaint ance with tho Nasoiis Just what bond there is between the elder Nason and the young lady and -epott to me. I do not intend to use the knowledge for any Illegal purpose, but merely us a leverage to retain Nason's business. V am aware that to prosecute your In quiries discreetly by means of your In timacy with young Nason will require more money than 1 am paying you, and therefore. If I can depend on you to do a III tie detective work, I shall from now on increase your saljry from ifT." to ;?17.". What do you ay?" The first impulse that l'age felt was to absolutely rel'tt-e there ami then to havo anything to do with Frye's ne farious scheme, but the thought of ills situation, the unpaid debt al home and the certainty that a refusal would mean a loss of his position conquered his pride and kept him silent. For a moment he reflected, trying hard to s-e a way out of the dilemma, and then said: "It is rather a hard task you ask, Mr. Frye, for 1 am not accustomed to the role of detective, but I am in your em ploy, and as long as I am I will do the best I can for your Interests." It was a temporizing reply, and Frye so const rui'd It at once. "1 must Insist if you accept my of fer," he said, "that you giro me your promise to do your beat to earn the money. It doesn't pay to be too squeamish in this world," he continued in a soothing tone. "All business Is to a certain extent a game of extortion a question of do the other fellow or he will do you." Then arising and hold ing out a skinny hand to grasp Page's, lie added. "I shall expect you to keep faith with me, Mr. l'age," and the In terview ended. When Albert met Frank at the club that evening he was preoccupied nnd morose, aud Frank, noticing his frame of mind, tried to cheer hlui. "You look as If you had been given a facer, old man," he said. "What Is the matter? Has Frye been call ing you down for something?" Page looked at bis friend a moment, and tho impulse to make u clean breast of it and relieve his feelings was strong, but lie did not. "1 do not like Frye," be said In stead, "and the more I see of him the less I like him. At times he makes mo feel as if he was a snake ready to uncoil and strike. Have you ever no ticed his eyes and the way he has of rubbing his hands when talking?" "I have," was the answer, "and he lias tin most hideous eyes 1 over saw In a human being. They look like a cat's in the dark. Had told me once he saw Frye look at a witness he was cross exa mining In such u way thnt the poor fellow forgot what his name was ami awore black was white. Those eyes are vicious weapons, they say, and ho uses them to the utmost when be wants to scare a witness." "They make me feel creepy every time 1 look nt them," said Albert, and then, as if anxious to change the sub Ject, he added; "I-et's leave here, Frank, and you come with mo to my room, where we can have n quiet talk together. I am In the dumps tonight ami want to unbosom my troubles to you." CHAPTER VII. w InAT nils you, old man?" nsk ed Frank after they wero seated In Albert's room and I wore smoking fraternal You look us It you had lost pipes. your best friend." "1 did, last June, as you know," was the rather sad answer, "and on top of thnt I hate myself for ono nr two things- for instance, the escapade wo Indulged in the other night, aud be, lng Frye's slave, for nnother." "I nm sorry for tlie first," responded Frank. "It was my fault that you were coaxed Into It. I won't do It again, I assure you. Don't worry over It, my boy. It wasn't anything serious; only Just a little after theater fun and hear ing those sporty girls talk slaug." "Yes, nnd spending a lot of money for very poor fun," replied Albert, "t don't think any better of myself for do ing It, do you?" "Oh, I don't think about It one way or the other," answered Frank. "I have so much time to kill, and that's no worse than any other way." "Well, of course It's till right, and ns you do not thlnlt any the less of your self for doing it there is no harm," re plied Albert. "Only I do, and so it la worse for mo than for you. "Now, you havo a mother and sisters who think well of you, no doubt. How would you have felt to have had any one of them peep in that night and see what manner of company you were In? My mother is In her grave, but mnybe she could see where I was and with whom I was that evening, and the thought makes me feel mean. I have u sister, one of the purest and sweetest little women Cod ever blessed the earth with, and not for all that I can earn in one year would I have her know what a foolish thing I did. For two days I was so ashamed of myself I felt miserably." Frank sat in stupefied silence nt hi? friend's outburst, "if I had imagined you were going to feel that way, old man," he said ut Inst, "I would never have urced you to go with me. I nevet will again, I nssuro you." "Oh, I am as much to blame ns you," observed Albert. "I went willingly, but after it wns nil over I was sorry I did. I am no prude. I enjoy a little excitement and don't mind n social evening with a few friends, but It doesn't pay to do things you despise yourself for the next day." "But," put lu his friend, with n quizzical look, "do you know you are preaching a sermon, and I rather like it, too? It sets mo thinking. As fot such girls as we wined, I don't care a rap for them. If I could find any otbet and better amusement they might go hang for all I care. I try tenuis nnd golf with fellows und girls In our set, but that is tame sport. I go to 'fune tions' once in awhile, and If I dance twice with a pretty girl who has no dot mother glares nt tne and says I'rt no family pride. Most of tho glrli talk silly nonsense thnt wearies a fel low, and the more passo they are the worse thsy gush. The only thing I really enjoy is yachting, and then 1 have trouble to find good fellows who have time to go with me. Once in nwhiln I get disgusted with myself und wish I had to work for a living." Albert looked surprised. Was It pos slhie thnt tills young and handsome fellow, with dark brown honest eyes. curly black hair and garb and manner of refinement, who never had known what It was to work, really wanted to earn his own way lu the world, just from sheer ennui? 'It rrems to me you liave everything to be thankful for. Frank." Albert said at last lu a dejected tone "a kind fa ther, good home, plenty of friends, a nice yacht, all the money you wnnJ ami nothing to do. With me it is Ut f ferent. Would it bore you If I unload ed a little of my history?" "Not a bit," answered Frank. "I would really like to hear it." "Well," continued Albert, "when we were at college I was a little too proud to let you know I was the only son of a poor widow who was deuylng herself every luvtiry to educate me, but it was a fact. After we separated I tutored some, read law and was admitted to the bar. I opened an ofiice In my na five town and wasted a year waiting for clients, while I read novels, sketch ed and fished to pass the time. Last Juue my mother died and left my sis ter and me an old house that has been lu the family over a century, a fw acres of meadow lands nnd maybe $'J00 lu debts. Then I wrote to you. I was more than grateful for the chance you obtained for tne to work for even such a man as Frye. I am paying those debts aH fast as l can, ami my sister Is helping by teaching in a crossroad schoolliouse and walking four relies each day to do It." "And I coaxed you to go out and spend money on a couple of ballet girls!" responded Frank regretfully. "Say, old man," .caching out his hand and clasping Albert's, "If 1 had known all this that evening l would Iuivh bit ten my tongue before I asked you to go with me." "That is all right," replied Albert. "I should have told you that night what 1 have told you now, but maybe I was a little ashamed to do so." "I would like to see that nrave sis ter of yours," said Frank after a pause, "From what yon tell me, she mut be a trump." Albert made no answer, but going to the mantel ho tool; a framed photo graph that stood there nnd handed It to his friend. It was a picture of a young girl with a face like un nrtlst's dream and eyes like two pansies. Frank gazed at it long and earnest ly. "Your sister, I suppose," ha said ut last, still looking at the face. "I do not wonder you preached me the sermon you have this evening. You must be proud of her." When it came time for him to go the two shook hands with a warmer clasp than ever, and when he was gone the little room did not seem quito so cheerless to its occupant ns before. CHAPTER VIII. SHOFLO like to be ex ensed tomorrow forenoon, Mr, Frye," said Albert a few days later. "Frank has to Intioduce me to his promised father." "Certnlnly," replied Frye cheerfully, "Tnko the entire day If you wish, ami if yon liave a good chance try to msko the acquaintance- of the young lady of whom I spoke to you, nr nt least take a good look at her. She is tlie key that will unlock the information 1 need, and I shall depend upon you to obtain it." "1 will keep my eyes open." replied Albert aloud, mentally resolvlug that It would not be lu the interest of Fryo and his sinister plot. Tho next day he met Frank ly appointment, and the two called upon John Nason nt his olllce. Albert was greeted cordially, and after an exchange of common places soon found himself being lntr rogated by n series of questions per, talcing to his home nnd college life, his knowledge of law and how he liked his present employer. They wero foi ft purpose, as all of John Nason's busi ness questions were, and at their con clusion he said: "I am glad to linvn met you, Mr. Page. My son has spoken In the highest terms of you, nad, what has Interested me morn, Mr. Frye bus also. He does not usually bestow much praise on any one, hut is more apt to sneer. After you ore n little better acquainted wli-n legal proceedings here, come ntid sea me. I may be able to do something for you. You might," addressing Frank, as If to end the Interview, "show Mr. Page over tin; store now; it may in terest him." After an hour spent walking through tlie vast humnn hive, where over 1,000 clerks and salesgirls were employed, the two friends returned to their club for lunch. "Well, what do you think of the old gent?" nsked Frank as he sat down. "I like him," wns the aiuwer. "He talks to the purpose, though, and I fancy his rapid lire questions were for an object." "Ton may be sure they were," re plied Frank, "and, what is more, I saw by his expression that you had mnde a good Impression. Oo you know what 1 did the other tiny? I told htm nil about our escapade with the two chorus girls and repeated all I could recall of the sermon you preached about It." Albert looked autonlshed. "I am sorry you did tUat," he said. "He must have thought me very weak not to have refused In the first place. l)o you make a practice of confessing all your larks to your father?" "Oh, I don't conceal mveh," answer ed Frank laughingly. "He and I are the best of friends, aud he is so good to me I haven't the heart to deceive , him, I had an object in telling him of ' our racket, however." And then, after ' a pause: "I wish you were to be at liberty this afternoon, Bert. I am go ing to tnke the Oypsy round to Hov erly to her winter quarters nnd I'd like your company." "Well, I enn go If I've a mind to," answered Albert. "Frye said I might take a day off if I wished." Frank looked astonished. "Isn't hi In danger of heart failure?" he said. ' The old buzzard mu'-t be getting stuck on you, I should say." When the two had boarded the yacht and while the engineer was getting up steam Frank showed his guest over that craft. "1 am surprised at the size of your boat." said Albert. "Why. she Is large enough for an ocean voyage!" "We may take cne in her some day," teplied Frank. "I believe she cost over l0.000, but dad bought her for less than half that at an assignee's sale." When f-:eam was up they took a run out around Minot's light aud across to Cape Ann, r-nd as (he day was a de lightful one Albert enjoyed it im mensely. At 'tieverly they went ashore and, leaving the crew to moor the yacht in the stream between the '.wo bridges, returned to Iloston. It was ainiost Thanksgiving time era Albert saw Mr. Nason again, and then one day Frank SRld to him: "I want you to call on dad tomorrow. Ho wants to see you." The next day Albert-tool; th eleva tor to tho fourth floor, where Mr. Na son's private ortlco was, and with best ing heart entered. His greeting was more cordial than before, and Mr. Na son. who. It may be observed, was a man that went about business as a woodcut tor chops a tree, said: "Are you under contract or obliga tion to remain with Mr. Frye any specified time, Mr. l'age;'' "Nothing more than to give him a reasonable notice that I wish to quit," replied Albert. "I am paid so much a montli 'for tlie present,' ns be put. It when 1 went there, nnd I certainly shall leave him as soon as I see any chance of bettering myself." "That being the case, I see no reason w'iy you cannot entertain the proposi tion I have decided to make you," said the merchant, "which is that you sevet your relations with Mr. Frye between now end the first of the year, and then take bold and see what you can do in looking after my legal matters. The luet Is, Mr. Page, ns I intimated to you a short time ago. I am not entirely sat isfied with Mr. Frye. .Inst why need not he considered now. The only point is, do you feel yourself capable of act ing as my attorney ami assuming charge of any law mislness that muy arise?" "Well, f-o far as my knowledge of the law goes," replied Albert, "I passed n goixl examination when I wns admit ted to tho bar, 1 had some practice in Sandgate, and since I've been with Krye I've learned a good denl of troi usual procedure here, I think I can do nil that Is necessary." "My needs in a legal line are not complicated," continued Mi Nn-on; "it is mostly looking up deeds and making transfers, seeing that titles are clear, etc. You will have to watch the cus tom officers, and there are more or less collections to be made. Occasionally I have to resort to the courts, but try to avoid them as much ns possible." "I think I could attend to all such matters to your satisfaction," said Al bert confidently; "they are not hard tasks." "Very well," replied Mr. Nason. "I have decided, partly at the request of my son and partly from my own esti mate of your ability, to give you the trial, I will pay you twenty-live hun dred dollars per annum to look after my needs, and you are also at liberty to take such other business as comes to you so long as you do not neglect mine." "I thank you, Mr. Nason, for this offer," replied Albert, rising and prof ferlug his hand, "nnd I accept gladly nnd will devote all my time, if need be, to your service," "Very good," responded Mr. Nason; "separate yourself from Vrye nt once, or between now aud the new year, nnd In the meantime I would suggest that you rent a sultablo ottice. There are one or two vacant In a building 1 own on Water street that will serve veiy well, nnd when you are through with Mr. Frye come nnd see me. I shall consider you In my employ from