He was shown at once into the professor's study. It was a large room, the sides lined with bookcases crowded with volumes. There seemed to be more books than Chester had ever seen before.

 

In the center of the room was a study table, covered with books, open as if in use. On one side was a desk, at which Prof. Hazlitt himself was seated.

 

"Good-evening, my young friend," he said, cordially, as Chester entered the room. "You did not forget your appointment."

 

"No, sir. I was not likely to forget such an engagement."

 

"Have you grown to feel at home in the city?"

 

"Not entirely¹, sir, but I am getting a little used to it."

 

"I think you mentioned that you were going into a real estate office?"

 

"Yes, sir. I have commenced my duties there."

 

"I hope you find them agreeable."

 

"I might, sir, but that the bookkeeper seems to have taken a dislike to me."

 

"I suspect that you would like better to devote yourself to art work."

 

"I think I should, sir, but Mr. Conrad thinks it better that I should only devote my leisure to drawing."

 

"No doubt his advice is wise, for the present, at least. Now, suppose we come to business. I believe I told you I am writing a book on ethnology."

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"I find a good deal of help in rare volumes which I consult at the Astor Library. These I cannot borrow, but I have the use of anything I find suited to my needs in the library of Columbia College. Then I import a good many books. I shall spare no pains to make my own work valuable and comprehensive. Of course, I shall feel at liberty to copy and use any illustrations I find in foreign publications. It is here that you can help me."

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"Here, for instance," and the professor opened a French book, "are some sketches³ illustrating⁴ the dress and appearance of the natives of Madagascar. Do you think you can copy them?"

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