"Guess I'll go in and hear what he has to say," said Richard, and a
moment later he knocked on the parlor door and entered.
Mr. Cook shook him cordially by the hand.
"We have just been speaking about you," he said. "How have you fared
in your search for employment?"
The boy told him.
"Mossvale is so small, there is hardly any chance," he added.
"Your mother tells me that you have an idea you could do better in New
York," went on the minister. "It is a big place, and nearly every one
is almost too busy to notice a new-comer."
"I know that. But I should watch my chances."
"And there are many temptations there that never arise in such a place
as this," continued Mr. Cook earnestly; "and it very often takes all
the will power a person possesses to keep in the straight and narrow
path."
"I wouldn't do what wasn't right!" burst out Richard. "I'd starve
first!"
Mr. Cook looked down into the clear, outspoken face before him.
"I believe it," he declared. "You have had a good training, thanks to
your mother and father. Well, I have advised her to let you try your
luck in the great metropolis."
"Oh, Mr. Cook!"
"Yes. Now don't get excited. She has thought it over, and agrees to
let you go for two weeks, at least. The fare is only four dollars and
a half, and board for that length of time will not be much.
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