One evening he arrived home very late, which was such an unusual thing that his mother wondered what had kept him.
"Awfully sorry, mother," he cried, looking at the clock; "but I've been up in the town on business."
"For the master?"
"No," replied the boy, with rather a forced smile; "on my own account. I've got a place. Don't be vexed. I shan't have to leave school; it's only mornings and evenings."
"What have you to do?"
"To take the papers to Mr. Broad's customers; and if I help on Saturdays too, he'll give me five shillings a week. What do you think of that? Isn't it splendid?"
"But you will have no time to study for the 'Gayton.'"
"I must work harder at school, and put in an hour extra in the morning. I'll manage, never fear, and the money will just pay the rent. Wasn't it lucky I saw the card in the window? Of course I shan't be able to play in the rest of the cricket matches, but they can easily get some one to take my place."
He spoke cheerfully, but his mother knew what a sacrifice he had made, and hoped, for his sake, that good might come of it.
"Jim," said Susie, plucking his sleeve nervously, "will you have to call out 'Paper!' like the boys who come round here at night?"