“Yes; he tells me he is rich.”

“How much money has he got?”

“He didn’t tell me that.”

“Well, I declare!  You’re lucky, that’s a fact!”

There was an interested listener to this conversation in the person of Eben, who had been in the store all day, taking Herbert’s place.  As we know, the position by no means suited the young man.  He had been employed in a store in Boston, and to come back to a small country grocery might certainly be considered a descent.  Besides, the small compensation allowed him was far from satisfying Eben.

He was even more dissatisfied when he learned how fortunate Herbert was.  To be selected as a companion by a rich young man was just what he would have liked himself, and he flattered himself that he should make a more desirable companion than a mere boy like Herbert.

As our hero was leaving the store, Eben called him back.

“What was that you were telling father about going round with a young man from the city?” he asked.

Herbert repeated it.

“And he pays you six dollars a week?” asked Eben, enviously.

“Yes; of course, I shouldn’t have asked so much, but he fixed the price himself.”

“You think he is very rich?” said Eben, thoughtfully.

“Yes, I think so.”

“What a splendid chance it would be for me!” thought Eben.  “If I could get intimate with a man like that, he might set me up in business some day; perhaps take me to Europe, or round the world!” “How much of the time do you expect to be with this Mr. Melville?” he asked.

Herbert answered the question.

“Does he seem like a man easy to get along with?”

“Very much so.”

Eben inwardly decided that, if he could, he would oust Herbert from his desirable place, and substitute himself.  It was a very mean thought, but Eben inherited meanness from his father.

“Herbert,” he said, “will you do me a favor?”

“What is it?” asked our hero.

“Will you take my place in the store this evening?  I am not feeling well, and want to take a walk.”

“Yes,” answered Herbert, “as soon as I have run home to tell mother where I am.”

“That’s a good fellow.  You shan’t lose anything by it.  I’ll give you ten cents.”

“You needn’t pay me anything, Eben.  I’ll do it as a favor.”

“You’re a trump, Herbert.  Come back as soon as you can.”

When Eben was released from the store, he went over to the hotel, and inquired for Mr. Melville, leaving his unsuspecting young substitute in the post office.

CHAPTER VIII.

Eben’s assurance.

“A young man wishes to see you, Mr. Melville,” said the servant.

George Melville looked up in some surprise from his book, and said:  “You may show him up.”

“It must be Herbert,” he thought.