“I’ll tell you all about it when I get back.”

“Just mention that you’ve got a friend—­a stylish young man whom they’d like to meet.  That may bring me an invitation next time.”

Andy laughed.

“So far as I am concerned, Sam,” he said, “I wish you were going.  But you have an engagement at the Star Theater.”

“So I have.  I almost forgot.”

Andy had very little time for preparation, but made what haste he could, and just as the public clocks struck seven he rang the bell of Mrs. Mason’s house.

“I am glad you received my invitation in time,” said the lady.

“So am I,” returned Andy; “nothing could have been more welcome.”

Just then Roy and her brother, Mr. Crawford, entered.

Roy was a very pleasant-looking boy, with dark-brown hair and a dark complexion.  He was perhaps two inches shorter than Andy.

“This is Roy,” said Mrs. Mason.

“I am glad to see you,” said Roy, offering his hand.

Andy felt that he should like his new boy friend.

Next he was introduced to Mr. Crawford, a stout gentleman of perhaps forty, looking very much like his sister.

“I have heard my sister speak of you so often that I am glad to meet you, Andy,” he said, affably.

“Thank you, sir.”

“John, lead the way to the dining room,” said his sister.

So they filed downstairs, and took their seats at the table.

Mr. Crawford sat at the head, opposite his sister, while Roy and Andy occupied the sides.

When dinner was nearly over, Mr. Crawford remarked: 

“I believe, Andy, you are in the employ of Mr. Flint, the jeweler.”

“I was,” answered Andy.

“Surely you have not left him?” exclaimed Mrs. Mason.

“No, I have been discharged.”

“I am surprised to hear it.  I thought you were a favorite with Mr. Flint.”

“So I was.  He does not know I have been discharged.”

“You puzzle me.”

“Mr. Flint is in Colorado, and Mr. Rich, his head salesman, has taken the opportunity to discharge me, and put his nephew in my place.”

“But surely he would not venture to do this without some pretext.”

“He claims that I took a watch from the case, and pawned it.”

“Of course that is untrue.”

“Yes, and I am in a position to prove it when Mr. Flint returns.”

Andy told the story of his visit to the pawn shop, and the discovery he made there.

“This is a shameful plot!” said Mrs. Mason, indignantly.  “I am afraid you are in trouble, deprived of your income.”

“Fortunately I have no board to pay.  That is paid by the gentleman who procured me the situation.”

Presently they went upstairs.

“Roy,” said his mother, “we will excuse you for an hour while you are getting your Latin lesson.”

“I don’t like Latin, mother,” grumbled Roy, “at least not to-night.  I am afraid I can’t fix my thoughts on the lesson.  I want to be with Andy.”