"Mr.
Kirk has a son of his own, about Ben's age, and will, no doubt, put him into the store, unless you should choose to go in and learn the business." "What! I become a store boy!" exclaimed Tom, in disgust.

"No, thank you.

I might be willing to become salesman in a large establishment in the city, but I don't care to go into a country grocery." "It wouldn't do you any harm," said the squire, who was not quite so high-minded as his son.

"However, I merely mentioned it as something you could do if you chose." "Bah! I don't choose it," said Tom decidedly.
"Well, well; you won't have to do it." "It would put me on a level with Ben Barclay, if I stepped into his shoes.

Won't he be down in the month when he hears he has lost his place ?" and Tom chuckled at the thought.
"That is no concern of mine," said the squire.