"In fact, I know of a party who is in want of a boy—an old acquaintance of mine. He will take you to oblige me."

"What business is he in?"

"He has a gentlemen's furnishing store," answered Mr. Kenyon.

"Do you think that business is as good as some other kinds?" said Oliver dubiously.

"It is a capital business," said his step-father emphatically. "Pays splendid profits."

"Who is the gentleman you refer to?" enquired Oliver, with natural interest.

"Well, to be frank with you, it is a nephew of my own. I set him up in business three years ago, and he has paid back every cent of my loan with interest out of the profits of his business. I can assure you it is a paying business."

"I would judge so, from what you say," returned Oliver thoughtfully.

Somehow he felt disappointed to learn that the employer proposed to him should be a relation of his step-father. This, however, was not an objection he could very well express.

"Suppose I should not like business," he suggested, "could I give it up and go to school?"