“Well, mother,” he asked, “how much money do you think I have made by farming?”

“You expected to make twenty dollars.”

“I have cleared twenty-one dollars and a half besides the vegetables I have brought home and stored in the cellar.”

“That is doing very well,” said Mrs. Carter.

“I have had to work very hard for it,” said Herbert, thoughtfully, “and for a good many days. After all, it isn't quite enough to pay our interest.”

“The interest doesn't come due for six weeks yet.”

“That is true, mother; but six weeks hence we shall be poorer than we are now. We shall have to use some of this money for current expenses, and I know of no way to replace it.”

“You may earn some more.”

“I don't see any chance—that is, here. There is nothing doing in Wrayburn. If there were any factories or workshops, I might stand a chance of getting something to do.”

Mrs. Carter did not reply. She knew that Herbert was right, and she had nothing to suggest.

“I have thought of something,” said Herbert; “but you may not like it at first.”

“What is it?” asked his mother, with interest.

“Would you have any objection to my going to New York and trying my fortune there?”

Mrs. Carter uttered a little cry of dismay.

“You go to New York—a boy of your age!” she exclaimed.

“I am old enough to take care of myself,” said Herbert, sturdily.

“A great city is a dangerous place.”

“It won't be dangerous for me. I shall be too busy—that is, if I get work—to fall into temptation, if that is what you mean.”

“I should miss you so much, Herbert, even if I knew you were doing well,” said his mother, pathetically.

“I know you would, mother; and I should miss you, too; but I can't live here always. If I do well in the city you can come and join me there.”

This was the first time Herbert broached¹ the subject of going to New York. He resumed the attack the next day, and the next, and finally won his mother's consent to go for a week, and see whether he could find anything to do.

His mother's consent obtained, Herbert took but a day to make his preparations. The next day, after an early breakfast, he started for the great city, excited with the idea of going, but hardly able to repress the tears as he saw the lonely look upon his mother's face.

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