As he turned into State street he encountered Julius, who had already entered upon the duties of his office. Naturally, Julius adopted his uncle's theory, that Paul had given dissatisfaction and been discharged, and, as he bore no good will to our hero, he was gratified at the thought.

"Hallo!" he called out, not averse¹ to exulting² over his predecessor³.

"Good-morning, Julius," said Paul, affably.

"I've got your place," said Julius, not attempting to conceal⁴ his satisfaction.

"Yes," answered Paul.

"He doesn't seem to mind it," commented Julius to himself. "I suppose he is too proud to show me how he feels."

"What did the old man bounce you for?" asked Julius, rather curious on the subject.

[Pg 223]"You must ask him," said Paul, still pleasantly.

"My uncle always told me you wouldn't stay," said Julius.

"Perhaps he got me turned off," suggested Paul.

"I reckon he did. He didn't like you much."

"No; there wasn't much love lost between us."

"Where are you going now?"

"Round to the office."

"What for?"

"To see Mr. Bradford."

"If you want him to take you on again," said Julius, rather uneasily, "you might as well give it up. He won't do it."

"Are you quite sure?"

"Oh, yes," answered Julius, hurriedly; "my uncle wouldn't let him do it."

"I thought Mr. Bradford was boss, not your uncle," Paul ventured to observe.

"He'll let my uncle choose the office-boy, and of course uncle Emanuel prefers me."

"Don't be alarmed, Julius. I won't try to deprive you of your place. Still I want to see Mr. Bradford."

"Oh, I know what you want," said Julius, nodding.

"Suppose you tell me?"

"You want Mr. Bradford to give you a recommendation, so you can get another place."

"You are sharp, Julius," said Paul, laughing.

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