24. Fred the Apprentice.

into my establishment ; but do not forget that
it is for the sake of your younger brother, whose
example I advise you to follow.’

This morning, the same as on the previous
evening, it was to the good services of a younger
brother that Francis was indebted ; but the heart
of the elder brother was dead to all feelings of
self-respect, and he was not in the least pained
at this change of proper positions—of the elder
not helping the younger, but the younger help-
ing the elder. When they were alone together
on the stairs, Francis even said in a flippant
tone to Fred:

‘It appears that you are a person of some
influence here. You have but to ask and have.
In future I shall know to whom to apply.’

‘TI do my duty, and confidence is placed in
me, replied Fred; ‘this is the whole secret of
my influence,’