“Yes, sir.”

“Then you know something of Latin and Greek?”

“Yes, sir. In a year I should have been ready for Yale College.”

“Then you already have more than an average education.”

“I hoped to have a better, sir.”

“You need not stop learning because you left school. It happens that I, myself, pursued a course similar to yours, and left my studies for business when nearly ready for college.”

“Indeed, sir?” said Gilbert, interested.

“But I still keep up my Latin a little. Greek I have pretty much forgotten.”

By this time they had reached the office of Mr. Sands. It was not large, but was neat and well furnished. A clerk was at a desk, engaged in writing. There was, besides, in waiting a boy of about Gilbert’s age, who apparently wished to speak to Mr. Sands.

“You here, John?” demanded Mr. Sands.