to report as soon as possible at our office for duty. We require the
deposit on account of the sums of money which you will handle. We do
not doubt your honesty, but it seems desirable that you should
furnish a guarantee, particularly as we pay a much larger salary
than is usually given to young clerks.

"Yours respectfully,

"FITCH & FERGUSON.

"P. S. Your engagement will not commence until the fifty dollars are
in our hands."

Ben was quite elated by his success.

"I must start to-morrow morning," he said, "or I shall be in danger
of losing the place."

"It seems very sudden," said his aunt. "I am afraid I sha'n't have
time to get your clothes ready. Some are dirty, and others need
mending. If I'd had a little notice-"

"It won't make any difference, Aunt Sarah," said Ben. "I'll take a
few clothes in a carpetbag, and you can send the rest by express
when they are ready."

"Yes, Sarah, that will be the best way," said Uncle Job. "Ben don't
want to run the risk of losing the place by delay."

Mrs. Stanton acquiesced rather unwillingly, and for the remainder of