"Never mind, Conrad," said his father. "When the next interest is payable, Andrew will probably be glad to accept your offer."
Andy enjoyed the short visit home. He managed to see the boys with whom he was most intimate, and promised to look out for positions in the city for two of them. At home his presence was a source of comfort and joy to his mother. It gladdened him to see the bright look on her face, which had been grave and anxious when he arrived.
On Monday, morning he set out for New York on an early train, feeling that his visit had been in every way a success. Several boys were at the station to see him off, but among them he did not perceive Conrad Carter.
CHAPTER XXX. — AN UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL.
Three months later, when Andy entered the office one morning, he found Mr. Crawford in a thoughtful mood.
"I wish you were older, Andy," he began, abruptly.
"Why, sir?"
"Because I have a commission I could then intrust to you."