from their infancy, and it is a difficult matter for them to be anything else; but I'll think about it."
And Mr. Lawrence was as good as his word; he did think about it, and, what is more, he decided to give the little boy a trial.
Benny was on the landing-stage on New Year's Day when Mr. Lawrence was returning from Chester. He had scarcely left the railway boat when several lads crowded around him with "Carry yer bag, sir?" Benny among the number.
He quickly recognized our hero from the description Eva gave, and placed his bag in Benny's hand, giving him the address of his office. Arrived there, much to Benny's bewilderment, he was invited inside, and Mr, Lawrence began to ply him with questions, all of which he answered in a straightforward manner, for there was little in his life that he cared to hide.
Mr. Lawrence was so much impressed in the boy's favour that he engaged him at once, promising him two shillings a week more than he had intended to give.
When Benny at length comprehended his good fortune—for it was some time before he did—he sobbed outright.
Looking up at length with streaming eyes, he blurted out, "I can't tell 'e how 'bliged I is," and ran out of the office and hurried home to tell granny the news, not quite certain in his own mind whether he was awake or dreaming.
Granny was upstairs when Benny burst into the room,
