"
"I certainly would," replied Richard promptly. "I'm willing to work
real hard at anything, providing it's honest."
"That's the way I like to hear a lad talk," said the confectioner
approvingly.
"Five dollars a week is certainly better than two," was Richard's
mental comment, as he hurried along. "Perhaps the next place will offer
something better still."
But the next place was already filled; and so were the three that
followed.
The seventh was on Vesey Street, the neighborhood that supplies half
the metropolis with tea and coffee. A boy was wanted to help fill
orders and deliver--a man's work--though Richard did not know it.
"We'll pay you seven dollars," was the merchant's reply, after the boy
had inquired after the place. "You will have to deliver principally,
and collect, of course."
"And when can I go to work?" asked Richard, overjoyed at an opening
that promised so well.
"Anytime. Right away if you like. But you'll have to furnish twenty-five
dollars security." This news put a damper on the boy's hopes.
"Twenty-five dollars security?" he repeated.
"Yes. You'll have more than that to collect"--which was not true--"and
of course you will be responsible, and must turn in the money for every
order taken out."
"I'd be sure to do that, or else return the goods.
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