Do you employ many persons
in your establishment?"
"About thirty."
"Do you think you could make room for me?"
"Do you think you would like the business?"
"I am prepared to like any business in which
I can make a living."
"That is right. That is the way to look at
it. Let me think."
For two minutes Mr. Jennings seemed to be
plunged in thought. Then he turned and
smiled encouragingly.
"You can come home with me," he said, "and
I will consider the matter."
"Thank you, sir," said Carl, gladly.
"I have got to make a call at the next house,
not on business, though. There is an old schoolmate
lying there sick. I am afraid he is rather
poor, too. You can walk on slowly, and I will
overtake you in a few minutes."
"Thank you, sir."
"After walking half a mile, if I have not
overtaken you, you may sit down under a tree
and wait for me."
"All right, sir."
"Before I leave you I will tell you a secret."
"What is it, sir?"
"The two dollars you picked up, I dropped
on purpose."
"On purpose?" asked Carl, in amazement.
"Yes; I wanted to try you, to see if you were honest."
"Then you had noticed me?"
"Yes. I liked your appearance, but I wanted to test you."
CHAPTER XIII.
AN UNEQUAL CONTEST.
Carl walked on slowly. He felt encouraged
by the prospect of work, for he was sure that
Mr. Jennings would make a place for him, if
possible.
"He is evidently a kind-hearted man," Carl
reflected. "Besides, he has been poor himself,
and he can sympathize with me.
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