So the arrangement was made, and Gordon went back to the shop as foreman, from which he had been discharged as a journeyman three years before.

Firmly bent upon commencing the business for himself, whenever he should feel himself able to do so, Gordon continued his frugal mode of living for two years longer, when the amount of his savings, interest and all added, was very nearly fifteen hundred dollars.  The time had now come for him to take the step he had contemplated for four years.  Evenly received the announcement with undisguised astonishment.  After committing to such competent hands the entire manufacturing part of his business, he had given himself up more and more to dissipation.  Had it not been for the active and energetic manner in which the affairs of the shop were conducted by Gordon, every thing would have fallen into disorder.  But in a fair ratio with the neglect of his principal was he efficient as his agent.

“I can’t let you go,” said Evenly, when Gordon informed him of his intention to go into business for himself.  “If fifteen dollars a week doesn’t satisfy you, you shall have twenty.”

“It is not the wages,” replied Gordon.  “I wish to go into business for myself.  From the first this has been my intention.”

“But you haven’t the capital.”

“Yes.  I have fifteen hundred dollars.”

“You have!”

“Yes.  I have saved it in four years.  That will give me a fair start.  I am not afraid for the rest."’

Evenly felt well satisfied that if Gordon went into business for himself, his own would be ruined, and therefore, finding all efforts to dissuade him from his purpose of no avail, he offered to take him in as a partner.  But to this came an unexpected objection.  Gordon was averse to such a connection.  Being pressed to state the reason why, he frankly said—­

“My unwillingness to enter into business with you arises from the fact that you are, as I was four years ago, a slave to strong drink.  You are not yourself one half of the time, and hardly ever in a fit condition to attend to business.  Pardon me for saying this.  But you asked for my reason, and I have given it.”

Evenly, at first, was angry.  But reflection soon came, and then he felt humiliated as he had never felt before.  There was no intention on the part of Gordon to insult him, nor to triumph over him, but rather a feeling of sorrow; and this Evenly saw.

“And this is your only objection?” he at length said.

“I have none other,” replied Gordon.

“If it did not exist you would meet my proposals?”

“Undoubtedly.”

“Then it shall no longer exist.  From this hour I will be as free from the vice you have named as you are.”

“Will you sign the pledge?”

“Yes, this very hour.”

And he did so.

A year afterwards an old friend, who had joined the temperance ranks about the time Gordon did, and who had only got along moderately well, passed the establishment of evenly & Gordon, and saw the latter standing in the door.