The boys, for their share, had an unusual number of errands to run, to keep the busy hands inside supplied with working materials.

Oscar, however, was released for the week from all home chores, in consideration of his engagements at the store.
Oscar did not find his duties as temporary store-boy quite so irksome or disagreeable as he anticipated.

The work was light, and the novelty of it served to offset the confinement, which he had dreaded more than anything else.

With some assistance from Ralph, he managed to do all that was required of him, and still have several hours each day for play.

He also had an opportunity to learn some useful lessons during the week.
One morning, his father sent him up-stairs to sweep out a room which was devoted to a certain branch of the business.