‘The very reason why we should do so,’ said Hiram. ‘We are honest.’

I wish you could have heard the tone in which Hiram said that, and have seen the expression of his countenance.  It made Jessup’s flesh creep, he did not know why.  So Hiram, as usual, had his own way, and overhauled every thing.  Lots of old goods piled away out of sight, as unsalable, were brought forward, carefully examined, and marked down, on an average, to half cost.  Then appeared hand-bills to the effect that Mr. Jessup had determined, prior to getting in a complete new, fresh, fashionable lot of dry goods, to dispose of the stock on hand at a tremendous sacrifice.  These were sent all over the country into the adjoining villages, every where within twenty miles.  How the people rushed to buy, and when they came, and found really that great bargains were to be had, they resolved to come again when the new goods should arrive.

Thus Hiram triumphed.  In six months after J. Pease left, Benjamin Jessup’s store was the store of Hampton, and Benjamin Jessup himself on the road to prosperity and wealth.

Hiram Meeker was sitting alone in his room over the store, late one evening.  He had been with Mr. Jessup a year and eleven months.  Another month, and the second year would be completed.

‘I believe,’ so ran the current of his thoughts, ’I have learned pretty much all there is to be found out here; have not done badly, either.  Cousin Bennett’s advice to mother was right.  I am not ready to go to New-York yet.  There is much country knowledge to be gained.  Let me see, I will drive over to Burnsville next week.  Joel Burns is carrying every thing before him, they say.  All sorts of business.  A first-class man; neither a Smith nor a Jessup.  I met Sarah Burns last week at a party over at Croft’s—­lovely girl.  I think Burnsville will suit me.’

Thereupon Hiram Meeker took up his Bible, which lay on the table near him, drew himself a little closer to the fire, moved the lamp into a convenient position, and read one chapter in course; it was in Deuteronomy.  Then he kneeled in prayer for about five minutes.  As soon as he had finished, he went to bed, equally satisfied with his labors and his devotions; complacently he laid his head on the pillow, and was soon asleep,

* * * * *

’I am sorry to go, Mr. Jessup, but I have my fortune to make yet, you know, and I must look a little to my own interests.’

’Yes, but confound it, Meeker, what is it you want?  I expected to raise your salary; in fact, it’s no account what you charge me, you mustn’t go, that’s settled.’

‘Indeed I must.’

’Why, what is the matter?  If you say so, I will take you into partnership, though you are not one and twenty.  Really, Hiram, don’t leave us in this way.’

’I repeat, I am sorry to do so, but as I have no intention of living in Hampton, it is now time I should quit.’