Brandon frowned. He did not fancy being employed as an errand boy.

"Can't you get somebody else?" he asked. "I wouldn't mind going to any other place, but I don't like to go there on an errand."

"Perhaps that will overcome your objections," said his father, producing a silver dollar.

"Thank you, papa, I'll go," said Brandon with alacrity¹, for he was always in want of money. "Who is the note for?"

"For the boy—Dean."

"Oh!"

Brandon's face changed.

"Seems to me Dean Dunham is getting to be a person of a good deal of importance," he said. "What is the note about? If you are going to haul him over the coals I won't mind taking it."

"On the contrary, Mr. Kirby, our guest, is going to offer him a position as his clerk and private secretary."

"And did you recommend him to Mr. Kirby?" asked Brandon, considerably² disgusted.

93

Squire³ Bates was sharp enough to understand the cause of Brandon's dissatisfaction.

"I don't mind telling you confidentially," he said with a smile, "that I don't envy the boy who works for Peter Kirby."

"Then it isn't such a great chance after all?"

"I suspect that Dean will be sorry he engaged to work for him within a week. But of course you won't let drop a word to prejudice the boy against accepting Mr. Kirby's offer."

"You may rely upon me, papa," said Brandon with a chuckle⁴.

Dean was reading aloud to his uncle when there was a knock at the door, which was answered by Mrs. Dunham.

"Brandon Bates!" she said in surprise.

"Yes, Mrs. Dunham. Is Dean at home?"

"Won't you come in? Yes, he's at home."

"I won't stop. I should like to see him a minute."

"Dean, here's Brandon Bates wants to see you a minute," said his aunt.

Dean shared in Mrs. Dunham's surprise. He laid down the paper from which he was reading, and went to the door.

"Good-evening, Brandon!" he said politely, "do you wish to see me?"

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