particularly engaged?" "How-d'ye-do, Aubrey. I am generally engaged; confoundedly busy this morning. What do you want?" His pen resumed its work, but he turned his head as if to listen. "I will call again when you are at leisure," said Russell, turning away. "That will be—next month—next year; in fine, postponing your visit indefinitely. Sit down—somewhere—well—clear those books into a corner, and let's hear your business. I am at your service for ten minutes—talk fast." He put his pen behind his ear, crossed his arms on the desk, and looked expectant. "I came here to ask whether you wished to employ anyone in your office." "And what the deuce do you suppose I want with an office lad like yourself? I tried that experiment to my perfect satisfaction a few months ago. Is that all?" "That is all, sir." The boy rose, but the bitter look that crossed his face as he glanced at the well-filled book-shelves arrested the lawyer's attention, and he added— "Why did you leave Watson, young man? It is a bad plan to change about in this style." "I was expelled from my situation on a foul and most unjust accusation." "Let's hear the whole business; sit down."[Pg 27] [Pg 27] Without hesitation he narrated all the circumstances, once or twice pausing to still the tempest of passion that flashed from his eyes. While he spoke, Mr. Campbell's keen eyes searched him from head to foot, and at the conclusion he said— "I see fate has thumped none of your original obstinacy out of you. Aubrey, suppose I shut my eyes to the watch transaction, and take you into my office?" "If so, I shall do my duty faithfully. But you said you did not need anyone here, and though I am anxious to find work, I do not expect or desire to be taken in from charity. I intend to earn my wages, sir, and from your own account I should judge you had very little use for an assistant." "Humph! a bountiful share of pride along with prodigious obstinacy. Though I am a lawyer, I told you the truth; I have no earthly use for such assistants as I
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