"That means that he prefers the appointment should go to his
nephew," thought Herbert.

"If my mother were not competent to discharge the duties," he said,
his face showing his disappointment in spite of himself, "I would
not ask your influence, notwithstanding you were a schoolmate of
father's, and he lost his arm while acting as your substitute."

"I have already said that I wish your mother well," said the squire,
coloring, "and in any other way I am ready to help her and you.
Indeed, I may be able to secure you a situation."

"Where, sir?"

"Mr. Graham needs a boy in his store, and I think he will take you
on my recommendation."

"Is Tom Tripp going away?" asked Herbert.

"The Tripp boy is unsatisfactory, so Mr. Graham tells me."

Herbert knew something of what it would be to be employed by Mr.
Graham. Tom Tripp worked early and late for a dollar and a half per
week, without board, for a hard and suspicious taskmaster, who was
continually finding fault with him. But for sheer necessity, he
would have left Mr. Graham's store long ago. He had confided the
unpleasantness of his position to Herbert more than once, and
enlisted his sympathy and indignation. Herbert felt that he would
not like to work for Mr. Graham at any price, more especially as it