I shall pay your traveling
expenses, ten dollars a week, and, if your
orders exceed a certain limit, I shall give you
a commission on the surplus."
"Suppose I don't reach that limit?"
"I shall at all events feel that you have
done your best. I will instruct you a little
in your duties between now and the time of
your departure. I should myself like to go
in your stead, but I am needed here. There
are, of course, others in my employ, older than
yourself, whom I might send, but I have an
idea that you will prove to be a good salesman."
"I will try to be, sir."
On Monday morning Carl left Milford,
reached New York in two hours and a half
and, in accordance with the directions of Mr.
Jennings, engaged passage and a stateroom on
one of the palatial night lines of Hudson
River steamers to Albany. The boat was well
filled with passengers, and a few persons were
unable to procure staterooms.
Carl, however, applied in time, and obtained
an excellent room. He deposited his gripsack
therein, and then took a seat on deck, meaning
to enjoy as long as possible the delightful
scenery for which the Hudson is celebrated.
It was his first long journey, and for this reason
Carl enjoyed it all the more. He could
not but contrast his present position and prospects
with those of a year ago, when, helpless
and penniless, he left an unhappy home to
make his own way.
"What a delightful evening!" said a voice at his side.
Turning, Carl saw sitting by him a young
man of about thirty, dressed in somewhat
pretentious style and wearing eyeglasses.
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