"I saw you out driving last evening," remarked Percy.

 

"Yes," answered Bert composedly.

 

"You had Houghton's best team?"

 

"Yes."

 

"How much did you have to pay?"

 

"I believe Uncle Jacob paid two dollars."

 

"He must be crazy to pay two dollars for a ride. Why, he's almost a pauper¹."47

 

"I think that is his business, Percy. As to being a pauper, I don't believe he will ever be that."

 

"Don't be too sure of it. Why, he told father he had only five hundred dollars. How long do you think that's going to last him if he throws away his money on carriage rides?"

 

"It's only for once, and, as I said, that isn't our business."

 

"I don't know about that, either. When he has spent all his money he'll be coming upon father to support him."

 

"I don't believe he will," said Bert, to whom it was disagreeable to hear the kind old man spoken of slightingly.

 

"You see if he doesn't. But it won't do any good. Father says as he makes his bed he must lie on it. And I say, Bert Barton, it isn't very creditable to you and your mother to help the old man squander² his money."

 

"I don't thank you for your advice, Percy Marlowe," retorted Bert, with spirit. "If ever Uncle Jacob does come to want, I'll work for him, and help him all I can."

 

"You! why you're as poor as poverty itself!" exclaimed Percy, with a mocking laugh.

 

"Good morning!" said Bert shortly, provoked, but not caring to prolong the discussion.48

 

When he reached home, he gave Uncle Jacob an account of his conversation with Percy.

 

The old man laughed.

 

"So Albert says that as I make my bed I must lie upon it?" he repeated.

 

"Yes, sir; but I hope you won't be troubled at that. You will always be welcome here."

 

Uncle Jacob's eyes grew moist, and he regarded Bert with affection.

 

"You are a good boy and a true friend, Bert," he said, "and I shall not forget it."

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