anything, and I ought to be helping the family."

"I'm goin' to look out for number one," said Tom, shrugging his
shoulders. "That's all I can do."

Tom's mother was a hard-working woman, and had taken in washing for
years. But for her the family would often have lacked for food. His
father was a lazy, intemperate man, who had no pride of manhood, and
cared only for himself. In this respect Tom was like him, though the
son had not as yet become intemperate.

"I don't think there is any chance of my giving up the place,"
answered Grant. "If I do, I will mention your name."

"That's a good fellow."

Grant did not volunteer to recommend Tom, for he could not have done
so with a clear conscience. This omission, however, Tom did not
notice.

"Well, Tom, I must be going. Good-by, and good luck."

Grant went home with a cheerful face, and announced his good luck to
his mother.

"I am glad you are going to your employer's house," she said. "I
wish you could remain there permanently."

"So do I, mother; but I hope at any rate to get a comfortable
boarding place. Tom Calder wants to room with me."