Mr. Middleton entered.

“There is a little matter I wished to speak to you about,” said Nathan.

“Very well, sir.”

“Mr. Sharp paid your board-bill up to to-day.”

“Very well, sir.”

“But there will be one day over, for which no pay has been received.”

“Oh!” said Tom; “there will be no difficulty about that. Tell me how much it is, and I will pay you.”

Mr. Middleton coughed.

“It can be settled another way,” he said. “Mr. Sharp handed me three dollars for your traveling expenses. I can take it out of that.”

“Just as you like.”