"
Richard's hopes fell. Even four dollars a week would barely keep him,
much less allow of money being sent home.
"I'm afraid I can't accept it," he said. "I must support myself and
I can't do it on two dollars a week."
"It's all we can allow," replied Mr. Nelson, and he turned away to his
work.
In a moment Richard was on the street again. The setback chilled his
ardor, but only for an instant, and then he hurried on to the next
place.
It was a confectionery store, and entering, he purchased five cents'
worth of chewing gum, such as he knew his little sister would like.
"I understand you want a boy," he said to the proprietor, who happened
to be the one to wait on him.
"I hired one about an hour ago," was the reply. "Are you looking for
a place?"
"Yes, sir."
The man gave Richard a sharp glance.
"You look like a bright sort of a chap," he said. "Suppose you leave
me your address? The other boy may not suit."
So Richard put down his name and the address of the Watch Below.
"I'm only stopping there temporarily," he explained, "and may leave,
but I'll drop around again in a day or two if I don't strike anything
else."
"Do; I don't like the other boy much. I only took him because a friend
asked me to."
"What do you pay?"
"Four dollars a week, and I might make it five if you would be willing
to help on the wagon as well as in the store.
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