I will pay him the same in the office. And that reminds me;
how would you like to have a situation in the factory?
Would you like to take Leonard's place?"
"Yes, sir, if you think I would do."
"I feel quite sure of it. Have you ever done
any manual labor?"
"No, sir."
"I suppose you have always been to school."
"Yes, sir."
"You are a gentleman's son," proceeded Mr.
Jennings, eying Carl attentively. "How will
it suit you to become a working boy?"
"I shall like it," answered Carl, promptly.
"Don't be too sure! You can tell better after
a week in the factory. Those in my employ work
ten hours a day. Leonard Craig doesn't like it."
"All I ask, Mr. Jennings, is that you give me a trial."
"That is fair," responded the little man,
looking pleased. "I will tell you now that,
not knowing of any vacancy in the factory,
I had intended to give you the place in the office
which Mr. Gibbon has asked for his nephew.
It would have been a good deal easier work."
"I shall be quite satisfied to take my place
in the factory."
"Come in, then, and see your future scene
of employment."
They entered a large room, occupying nearly
an entire floor of the building. Part of the
space was filled by machinery. The number
employed Carl estimated roughly at twenty-five.
Quite near the door was a boy, who bore
some personal resemblance to the bookkeeper.
Carl concluded that it must be Leonard Craig.
The boy looked round as Mr. Jennings entered,
and eyed Carl sharply.
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