The place is a growing one, and, more than that, Harum is well off, and keeps more irons in the fire than one, and if you get on with him you may do well." "I don't think I should mind the change so much," said John, rather sadly.

"My present life is so different in almost every way from what it used to be, and I think I feel it in New York more even than I might in a country village; but the venture seems a little like burning my bridges." "Well," replied the general, "if the experiment should turn out a failure for any reason, you won't be very much more at a loss than at present, it seems to me, and, of course, I will do anything I can should you wish me to be still on the lookout for you here." "You are exceedingly kind, sir," said John earnestly, and then was silent for a moment or two.

"I will make the venture," he said at length, "and thank you very much." "You are under no special obligations to the Careys, are you ?" asked the general.
"No, I think not," said John with a laugh.

"I fancy that their business will go on without me, after a fashion," and he took his leave..