The doctors telegraphed last evening that they were
afraid he couldn't live."
"It's too bad. I trust, for Mr. Martin's sake, they are mistaken."
In less than half an hour the proprietor put in an appearance. He
looked even more worried than the day previous.
"I am glad you are here, Dare," he said. "I saw Mr. Williams last night
and he gave you a good recommendation. But he was almost afraid you
had not had enough experience in the retail trade to take charge, which
just at present you would have to do, because I must go to Philadelphia
by the first afternoon train by the latest."
Richard's hopes fell.
"I will do the best I can, Mr. Martin," he said, earnestly. "Although
I'll admit I thought to come here only to help, and--"
"Yes, yes, I understand; and that is all right," interrupted the
storekeeper, hastily. "I expected to stay, up to last night, but now
I must go. If I could only get some one here besides you, some one who
understood customers. Phil can help some, but he is too young."
"I know the very person!" exclaimed Richard. "He has had just the
experience you desire, and I can get him at once, too."
And Richard told Mr. Martin about Frank Massanet.
"Ah, yes, Mr. Williams mentioned him to me. Do you think he can come
to-day?"
"Yes, sir.
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