to send them on in the world, are induced by their own common sense
to whip on themselves. Hence his knowledge of plans, elevations,
sections, and specifications, was not greater at the end of two
years of probation than might easily have been acquired in six
months by a youth of average ability--himself, for instance--amid a
bustling London practice.

But at any rate he could make himself handy to one of the
profession--some man in a remote town--and there fulfil his
indentures. A tangible inducement lay in this direction of survey.
He had a slight conception of such a man--a Mr. Gradfield--who was
in practice in Budmouth Regis, a seaport town and watering-place in
the south of England.

After some doubts, Graye ventured to write to this gentleman, asking
the necessary question, shortly alluding to his father's death, and
stating that his term of apprenticeship had only half expired. He
would be glad to complete his articles at a very low salary for the
whole remaining two years, provided payment could begin at once.

The answer from Mr. Gradfield stated that he was not in want of a
pupil who would serve the remainder of his time on the terms Mr.
Graye mentioned. But he would just add one remark. He chanced to
be in want of some young man in his office--for a short time only,
probably about two months--to trace drawings, and attend to other
subsidiary work of the kind. If Mr. Graye did not object to occupy
such an inferior position as these duties would entail, and to
accept weekly wages which to one with his expectations would be
considered merely nominal, the post would give him an opportunity
for learning a few more details of the profession.