“I have some money saved up. Besides, I shall devote more time to drawing. I made a sketch yesterday which Mr. Conrad thinks I will get ten dollars for.”
“That is fine. I never earned ten dollars in my life.”
“You have never felt obliged to work, except in school.”
“I take care not to injure my health in studying,” said Arthur, with a laugh.
“I will speak to uncle Edgar, and he will arrange to have you come four times a week instead of two. Then you will earn more money from him.”
“Thank you, Arthur. I should like that.”
Prof. Hazlitt, on being spoken to, ratified this arrangement, so that Chester’s mind was easy. He knew now that he would be able to support himself and more, too.
Chester soon had something more to encourage him. He received at his lodgings the following letter:
“Mr. Chester Rand.
“Dear Sir: We are about to establish a new comic weekly, which we shall call The Phœnix. It is backed by sufficient capital to insure its success. Our attention has been called to some illustrations which you have furnished to some of our successful contemporaries, and we shall be glad to secure your services. We may be able to throw considerable work in your way. Please call at our office as soon as possible.