week. That would leave me six."

"So it would. I declare it does seem to be a good chance. Maybe
they've got all the boys they want."

"Why, you see, uncle, there's a good many boys that couldn't pay the
deposit money. That would limit the number of applicants. Now, I
have the money, and I guess I'd better write to New York at once
about it."

"Maybe you had, Ben."

Ben immediately procured a sheet of paper and wrote to the
advertisers, stating that he would like the position, and assuring
them of his ability to furnish the required sum. The letter went to
New York by the afternoon mail.

Naturally Ben was a little excited and suffered a little from
suspense. He feared that all the places would be filled, and such
another chance was hardly to be expected again very soon. However,
on Monday morning he was gratified by the receipt of the following
letter:

"No.--NASSAU STREET, NEW YORK.

"MR. BENJAMIN STANTON: Your letter of yesterday is at hand.
Fortunately we have one vacancy, the other places being already
filled. We have rejected three applicants for it on account of
unsatisfactory penmanship. Yours, however, is up to the mark, and we
will engage you on the strength of it. It will be necessary for you