There isn't any vacancy, is there?
You couldn't take on a boy?" asked Carl, eagerly.
"Well, there might be a chance," said the
young man, slowly. "You haven't any recommendations
with you, have you?"
"No; I have never been employed."
"It doesn't matter. I will recommend you myself."
"You might be deceived in me," said Carl, smiling.
"I'll take the risk of that. I know a reliable
boy when I see him."
"Thank you. What is the name of your firm?"
"F. Brandes & Co., commission merchants,
Pearl Street. My own name is Chauncy Hubbard,
at your service."
"I am Carl Crawford."
"That's a good name. I predict that we shall
be great chums, if I manage to get you a place
in our establishment."
"Is Mr. Brandes a good man to work for?"
"Yes, he is easy and good-natured. He is liberal
to his clerks. What salary do you think I get?"
"I couldn't guess."
"Forty dollars a week, and I am only twenty-five.
Went into the house at sixteen, and worked my way up."
"You have certainly done well," said Carl, respectfully.
"Well, I'm no slouch, if I do say it myself."
"I don't wonder your income pays the
expenses of your vacation trip."
"It ought to, that's a fact, though I'm rather
free handed and like to spend money. My prospects
are pretty good in another direction. Old
Fred Brandes has a handsome daughter, who
thinks considerable of your humble servant."
"Do you think there is any chance of marrying her?"
asked Carl, with interest.
"I think my chance is pretty good, as the girl
won't look at anybody else.
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