"At four dollars a week!" replied the manufacturer, with emphasis. "That is all boys of his age usually get. There were special reasons why I paid Paul more."

Manson was disappointed that Julius should be paid only ordinary boys' wages, but still it was a great triumph to have Paul discharged, and Julius put in his place.

"Now," he said to himself, "I've the whip-hand of the young rascal. I'll pay him off."

"Shall I tell him, sir, when he comes in?" asked the book-keeper.

"No; I propose to tell him myself. Send him in to me when he gets back from his errand."

"Yes, sir, I will," promptly responded the book-keeper, resuming his own work with a satisfied smile.

Ten minutes later Paul came in from the post office, bringing the afternoon mail.


CHAPTER XXX.
PAUL IS PROMOTED.