“I am very glad to hear it,” said Mr. Godfrey, with emphasis.  “Herbert, I will try to make amends to you for my transient suspicions of your honesty.  As for you,” he continued, turning to Thomas and speaking sternly, “I despise you for your mean attempt to injure your fellow-clerk.  You must leave my employment to-day.  I shall write to your father the reasons for dismissing you.”

“I can get along without your paltry four dollars a week,” said Tom, with bravado.  “I am not a beggar.”

“You may be something worse, if you do not amend, “said Mr. Godfrey.”  Mr. Pratt, you may pay him for the entire week, and he can go at once.”

Although Tom professed so much disdain for the four dollars a week, he did not decline the week’s pay directed to be paid to him, but placed the money in his vest pocket and went out with assumed nonchalance, though, in reality, deeply mortified at the unexpected discovery of his meanness.

“As for you, Herbert,” said Mr. Godfrey, “you can come back at once, and I will raise your pay to eight dollars a week.  I owe you some reparation for the injury you came so near suffering.  I will never again doubt your integrity.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Herbert; “I shall be glad to come back.”

“Before this matter is decided,” said Ralph, “I have a proposition to make to Herbert.  I am rich, and have no one to share or inherit my wealth.  I propose to adopt him—­to give him an opportunity to complete his education in Europe, whither I propose going, and if some years hence you shall be willing to receive him, he can then enter your counting-room to learn business.  The amount of compensation will be unimportant, as I shall provide for him amply.”

Herbert stared at Ralph in amazement.  He could hardly realize that the offer was indeed a genuine one.

“Do you mean that I am to go to Europe with you, Ralph?” he said.

“Yes, if you like.”

“I shall like it very much,” said Herbert, enthusiastically.  “How can I thank you for so much generous kindness!”

“Your companionship will cheer me, and give me something to live for, Herbert,” said Ralph.  “Through you I hope some day to enjoy life again.”

Herbert’s clasped the Ranger’s hand in impulsive gratitude, while his face beamed with pleasure.

“I congratulate you, Herbert,” said Mr. Godfrey, kindly, “though I am sorry to lose you.  Whenever your guardian is ready to have you enter on a business career, a place in my counting-room shall be open to you.”

“Ralph,” said Herbert, seriously, as they went from the counting-room in company, “all that has happened seems so wonderful that I am a little afraid I shall wake up to find it all a dream.”

“It is a change to me also,” said Ralph, “to have a new interest in life.  The past is a sealed book.  Let us look forward to a bright and pleasant future.  Whatever pleasures and advantages money can obtain for you shall be yours.”