who was tending her invalid, and, when alone with his old schoolfellow, launched into a detailed account of a great enterprise in which he was concerned.  Not long ago he had become acquainted with one Geldershaw, a man somewhat older than himself, personally most attractive, and very keen in business.  Geldershaw had just been appointed London representative of a great manufacturing firm in Germany.  It was a most profitable undertaking, and, out of pure friendship, he had offered a share in the business to Leonard Chadwick.

’Of course, I put money into it.  The fact is, I have dropped in for a few thousands from a good old aunt, who has been awfully kind to me since the governor and I fell out.  I couldn’t possibly have found a better investment, it means eight or nine per cent, my boy, at the very least!  And look here, Humplebee, of course you can keep books?’

‘Yes, I can,’ answered the listener conscientiously.

’Then, old fellow, a first-rate place is open to you.  We want some one we can thoroughly trust; you’re the very man Geldershaw had in his eye.  Would you mind telling me what screw you get at present?’

‘Two pounds ten a week.’

‘Ha, ha!’ laughed Chadwick exultantly.  ’With us you shall begin at double the figure, and I’ll see to it that you have a rise after the first year.  What’s more, Humplebee, as soon as we get fairly going, I promise you a share in the business.  Don’t say a word, old boy!  My governor treated you abominably.  I’ve been in your debt for ten years or so, as you know very well, and often enough I’ve felt deucedly ashamed of myself.  Five pounds a week to begin with, and a certainty of a comfortable interest in a thriving affair!  Come, now, is it agreed?’

Humplebee forgot his pain; he felt ready to jump out of bed and travel straightway to London.

‘And you know,’ pursued Chadwick, when they had shaken hands warmly, ’that you have a claim for damages on the railway company.  Leave that to me; I’ll put the thing in train at once, through my own solicitor.  You shall pocket a substantial sum, my boy!  Well, I’m afraid I must be off; I’ve got my hands full of business.  Quite a new thing for me to have something serious to do; I enjoy it!  If I can’t see you again before I go back to town, you shall hear from me in a day or two.  Here’s my London address.  Chuck up your place here at once, so as to be ready for us as soon as your arm’s all right.  Geldershaw shall write you a formal engagement.’

Happily his broken arm was the left.  Humplebee could use his right hand, and did so, very soon after Chadwick’s departure, to send an account of all that had befallen him to his friend Mary Bowes.  It was the first time he had written to her.  His letter was couched in terms of studious respect, with many apologies for the liberty he took.  Of the accident he made light—­a few days would see him re-established—­but he dwelt with some emphasis upon the meeting with Leonard Chadwick, and what had resulted from it.