“You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds,” said Grant.  “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Then I will tell you—­be faithful in your duties in the office and continue your kindness to Herbert.”

“Gladly, sir.”

Grant decided not to write to his mother about his increase in salary.  He preferred to wait till his savings amounted to a considerable sum, and then surprise her by the announcement of his good fortune.  In six months, he estimated, he would have more than a hundred dollars, and this to the country minister’s son seemed a large sum.  At any rate, when he was twenty-one he might hope to be the possessor of a thousand dollars.  This opened to Grant a brilliant prospect.  It was probably all his father was worth, including all his possessions.

“In spite of my uncle’s opposition,” thought Grant, “I think I acted wisely in preferring business to college.  Now I shall be able to make the family more comfortable.”

When Willis Ford called at the office the next morning Grant was gone to the post office.  As he returned he met Ford coming out with a check in his hand.

“So it’s you, is it?” sneered Ford, stopping short.

“Yes, Mr. Ford.”

“I suppose you are exulting over your victory?”

“You are mistaken,” said Grant.  “It was not my wish that anything unpleasant should happen.”

“I suppose not,” said Ford, in an unpleasant tone.

“For some reason you have shown a dislike to me from the first,” Grant proceeded.  “I don’t know why.  I have always treated you with respect and tried to do my duty faithfully.”

“You are a little angel, to be sure.”

“Have you any objection to telling me why you dislike me?” he asked.

“Yes, I’ll tell you.  It is because I see how you are trying to worm yourself into the confidence of Mr. Reynolds.  You have plotted against me, and now, thanks to you, I have lost my place.”

“I don’t consider myself the cause of that, Mr. Ford.”

“I do.  But you needn’t exult too much.  I generally pay my debts, and I shan’t forget what I owe you.  I will be even with you some day.”

So saying, he walked off, and Grant returned to his work.

“I can’t understand why Mr. Ford should hate me so,” he thought.

CHAPTER XXIV

STARTLING NEWS

Willis Ford’s feelings were far from enviable when he took leave of the office in which he had long enjoyed an excellent position.  He was conscious, though scarcely willing to admit it, that his misfortunes had been brought upon him by his own unwise, not to say criminal, course.  None the less, however, was he angry with those whom he had connected with the disaster that had come upon him.  He had always disliked Grant Thornton.  Now he hated him, and thirsted for an opportunity to do him mischief.  Next he felt embittered against Mr. Reynolds, who had discharged him, though it is hardly possible to see how the broker could have done otherwise.  This dislike was increased within a few days, and for this reason.