"Have you carried Frank Fowler to the poorhouse?" asked Tom Pinkerton,
eagerly, on his father's return.

"No," said the deacon, "he is going to make a visit at Mr. Pomeroy's
first."

"I shouldn't think you would have let him make a visit," said Tom,
discontentedly. "I should think you would have taken him to the
poorhouse right off."

"I feel it my duty to save the town unnecessary expense," said Deacon
Pinkerton.

So Tom was compelled to rest satisfied with his father's assurance that
the removal was only deferred.

Meanwhile Frank and Grace received a cordial welcome at the house of Mr.
Pomeroy. Sam and Frank were intimate friends, and our hero had been in
the habit of calling frequently, and it seemed homelike.

"I wish you could stay with us all the time, Frank--you and Grace," said
Sam one evening.

"We should all like it," said Mr. Pomeroy, "but we cannot always have
what we want. If I had it in my power to offer Frank any employment
which it would be worth his while to follow, it might do. But he has got
his way to make in the world. Have you formed any plans yet, Frank?"

"That is what I want to consult you about, Mr. Pomeroy."