The book-keeper did not delay long to open his batteries upon Paul. On the second day, our hero being out, Manson began:

"I would like to say a few words to you, Mr. Bradford, about the new boy."

"About Paul?" asked Mr. Bradford, lifting his eyes from the morning paper.

"Yes, sir."

"Very well, proceed."

"I can't say I am satisfied with him, sir."

"Indeed! What is the matter?"

"He is not respectful to me."

"Indeed!"

"I may say he is positively¹ impudent² at times."

"That surprises me. He seems to me very unlikely to be guilty of such offenses³."

[Pg 212]"I dare say; he is very artful. I presume he is very respectful to you. That is policy."

"I should suppose he would consider it politic⁴ to be respectful to you also, Mr. Manson."

"All the other boys have, but this boy puts on a great many airs. In fact, he is mighty⁵ independent. I suppose it is on account of the extremely high wages he receives."

"Yes, ten dollars is very high pay for a boy of his age," admitted Mr. Bradford.

"Of course he doesn't earn it. He doesn't earn half as much."

"You may be right. I should not be inclined to pay another boy nearly as much."

Mr. Manson was sorry to hear this, as, could he obtain the position for Julius at ten dollars a week, his young nephew had agreed to pay him a commission of two dollars a week, which the book-keeper, being fond of money, was not above accepting.

"Have you any other complaints to make about Paul?" asked Mr. Bradford. "Doesn't he attend to his duties?"

"Fairly well," Manson admitted, reluctantly, the fact being that there had never been a boy in the office so efficient as our hero, the ex-train boy.

"Humph! I am glad to hear that."

[Pg 213]"Still it is of course disagreeable to have a boy under me who treats me with

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