Feeling the need of new footgear,
Carl entered and asked to be shown some shoes.
He was waited upon by a young clerk named Gray,
with whom he struck up a pleasant acquaintance.
"Do you live in Chicago?" asked Gray? sociably.
"No; I am from New York State. I am here on business."
"Staying at a hotel?"
"Yes, at the Sherman. If you are at leisure
this evening I shall be glad to have you call
on me. I am a stranger here, and likely to
find the time hang heavy on my hands."
"I shall be free at six o'clock."
"Then come to supper with me."
"Thank you, I shall be glad to do so,"
answered Gray, with alacrity. Living as he did
at a cheap boarding house, the prospect of a
supper at a first-class hotel was very attractive.
He was a pleasant-faced young man of
twenty, who had drifted to Chicago from his
country home in Indiana, and found it hard
to make both ends meet on a salary of nine
dollars a week. His habits were good, his manner
was attractive and won him popularity
with customer's, and with patience he was
likely to succeed in the end.
"I wish I could live like this every day,"
he said, as he rose from a luxurious supper.
"At present my finances won't allow me to board
at the Sherman."
"Nor would mine," said Carl; "but I am allowed
to spend money more freely when I am traveling."
"Are you acquainted in New York?" asked Gray.
"I have little or no acquaintance in the city,"
answered Carl.
"I should be glad to get a position there."
"Are you not satisfied with your present place?"
"I am afraid I shall not long keep it.
Pages:
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187