let you have it, Bert," said Mr. Houghton, "because I know you're a careful driver. There are few persons I would trust with Prince."
"You may depend on me, Mr. Houghton."
"I know I can, Bert;" and with a few directions the stable keeper resigned the turnout to Bert.
"You have got a stylish rig, Bert," said Uncle Jacob. "I think we shall have to drive by Albert Marlowe's."
"Just what I would like," remarked Bert, with a smile.
Bert had his share of human nature, and rather enjoyed being seen by his aristocratic relatives in such a stylish turnout.
Supper was over at Squire Marlowe's and the family were sitting on the piazza, the evening being warm, when Percy espied the buggy approaching.
"I wonder who's driving Houghton's best team?" he said.
"By gracious, if it isn't Bert Barton and his mother and Uncle Jacob!" he exclaimed, a minute later.
The squire adjusted his eyeglasses, and looked at the carriage now nearly opposite.
"You are right, Percy," he said.
"What can it mean, Albert?" asked his wife, in bewilderment, as Uncle Jacob bowed from the buggy.
"It means that a fool and his money are soon parted," answered the squire.
"I thought your uncle was poor."
"So he is, and he will soon be poorer from all appearances. Uncle Jacob never was a good financial manager. He was always too liberal, or he wouldn't be as poor as he is now. Why with five hundred dollars he probably feels as rich as a nabob."
"No doubt Bert Barton will help him spend it," said Percy. "It won't last long at any rate, if he drives out every evening."
"When his money is all gone he will probably throw himself on you for support, father."
"I wash my hands of him," said Squire Marlowe, in a hard tone. "If he squanders his money, he must take the consequences."
"I am glad to hear you speak in that way, Albert," commented his wife, approvingly.
Uncle Jacob enjoyed his drive and paid two dollars at the stable without letting the thought of his extravagance worry him.
"I hope you enjoyed it, Mary," he said.
"I don't know when I have enjoyed myself so much, Uncle Jacob."
"Nor I," put in Bert.
"Then I think the money well spent. It makes me feel young again, Mary. I think I made a mistake in staying away so long."
CHAPTER VII.
UNCLE JACOB LEAVES LAKEVILLE
On his way home to dinner the next day, Bert fell in with Percy Marlowe.
"I saw you out driving last evening," remarked Percy.
"Yes," answered Bert composedly.
"You had Houghton's best team?"
"Yes."
"How much did you have to pay?"
"I believe Uncle Jacob paid two dollars."
"He must be crazy to pay two dollars for a ride. Why, he's almost a pauper."
"I think that is his business, Percy. As to being a pauper, I don't believe he will ever be that."
"Don't be too sure of it. Why, he told father he had only five hundred dollars. How long do you think that's going to last him if he throws away his money on carriage rides?"
"It's only for once, and, as I said, that isn't our business."
"I don't know about that, either. When he has spent all his money he'll be coming upon father to support him."
"I don't believe he will," said Bert, to whom it was disagreeable to hear the kind old man spoken of slightingly.
"You see if he doesn't. But it won't do any good. Father says as he makes his bed he must lie on it. And I say, Bert Barton, it isn't very creditable to you and your mother to help the old man squander his money."
"I don't thank you for your advice, Percy Marlowe," retorted Bert, with spirit. "If ever Uncle Jacob does come to want, I'll work for him, and help him all I can."
"You! why you're as poor as poverty itself!" exclaimed Percy, with a mocking laugh.
"Good morning!" said Bert shortly, provoked, but not caring to prolong the discussion.
When he reached home, he gave Uncle Jacob an account of his conversation with Percy.
The old man laughed.
"So Albert says that as I make my bed I must lie upon it?" he repeated.
"Yes, sir; but I hope you won't be troubled at that. You will always be welcome here."
Uncle Jacob's eyes grew moist, and he regarded Bert with affection.
"You are a good boy and a true friend, Bert," he said, "and I shall not forget it."
"I don't know but Percy was right, Uncle Jacob. It does seem extravagant paying such a price for a ride."
"It's only for once in a way, Bert. You mustn't grudge the old man a little enjoyment in his vacation. I shall be going to work next week."
"You will? Where?" asked Bert eagerly.
"In New York. An old California friend of mine, who is in charge of a mine that has been put on the New York market, will give me a clerkship and a small salary which will support me in comfort. So you see I am all right."
"I am very glad to hear it, Uncle Jacob," said Bert joyfully. "I was afraid you wouldn't find anything to do, and would have to spend all your money on living."
"Come, Bert, that isn't much of a compliment to my ability. If I am sixty-five, I am able to earn a living yet, and though twelve dollars a week isn't much–"
"If I could earn twelve dollars a week I should feel rich, Uncle Jacob."
"True, but you are only fifteen."
"Almost sixteen."
"I forgot that," said Uncle Jacob, smiling. "Well, even at sixteen, a boy can hardly expect to earn as much as twelve dollars a week. By the way, how much does Albert pay you?"
"Four dollars a week."
"Is that about the usual price for boys employed as you are?"
"Most shoe bosses pay more. The squire pays low wages all round."
"Then why don't the men go elsewhere?"
"Because they live here, and it is better to work cheaper here than to move. Some have gone away."
"Well, keep up your courage, Bert, and the time will come
