But Mr. Cameron had other views for him.

“Are you fond of studying?” asked the sexton, as they were all three gathered in the little sitting room, an evening or two after Paul first came.

“Very much!” replied our hero.

“And would you like to go to school?”

“What, here in New York?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, very much indeed.”

“I am glad to hear you say so, my lad.  There is nothing like a good education.  If I had a son of my own, I would rather leave him that than money, for while the last may be lost, the first never can be.  And though you are not my son, Paul, Providence has in a manner conducted you to me, and I feel responsible for your future.  So you shall go to school next Monday morning, and I hope you will do yourself much credit there.”

“Thank you very much,” said Paul.  “I feel very grateful, but——­”

“You surely are not going to object?” said the sexton.

“No, but——­”

“Well, Paul, go on,” seeing that the boy hesitated.

“Why,” said our hero, with a sense of delicacy which did him credit, “If I go to school, I shall not be able to earn my board, and shall be living at your expense, though I have no claim upon you.”

“Oh, is that all?” said the sexton cheerfully, “I was afraid that it was something more serious.  As to that, I am not rich, and never expect to be.  But what little expense you will be will not ruin me.  Besides, when you are grown up and doing well, you can repay me, if I ever need it.”

“That I will,” said Paul.

“Mind, if I ever need it,—­not otherwise.  There, now, it’s a bargain on that condition.  You haven’t any other objection,” seeing that Paul still hesitated.

“No, or at least I should like to ask your advice,” said Paul.  “Just before my father died, he told me of a debt of five hundred dollars which he had not been able to pay.  I saw that it troubled him, and I promised to pay it whenever I was able.  I don’t know but I ought to go to work so as to keep my promise.”

“No,” said the sexton after a moment’s reflection, “the best course will be to go to school, at present.  Knowledge is power, and a good education will help you to make money by and by.  I approve your resolution, my lad, and if you keep it resolutely in mind I have no doubt you will accomplish your object.  But the quickest road to success is through the schoolroom.  At present you are not able to earn much.  Two or three years hence will be time enough.”

Paul’s face brightened as the sexton said this.  He instinctively felt that Mr. Cameron was right.  He had never forgotten his father’s dying injunction, and this was one reason that impelled him to run away from the Almshouse, because he felt that while he remained he never would be in a situation to carry out his father’s wishes.  Now his duty was reconciled with his pleasure, and he gratefully accepted the sexton’s suggestions.