He shook hands warmly with the farmer and his wife, and was introduced to Tom, whom he treated with the same cordiality.  The youth made haste to place a chair at his disposal, for which Mr. Warmore thanked him, and sitting down, crossed his legs, took off his hat, and wiped his perspiring brow with his white silken handkerchief.  The chat went on in the usual way for a time, during which Tom discovered that the visitor showed considerable interest in him.  His eyes continually turned in his direction, and he asked him a question now and then.  The youth was too modest to intrude in the conversation, but knew how to express himself when asked to do so.

By and by the questions of Mr. Warmore became quite pointed.  Once or twice Tom was disposed to resent them; but reflecting that the gentleman was much older than he, and could have no wrong purpose in thus probing into his personal affairs, he replied promptly to all he asked.

Finally, when this had continued until it began growing dark, Mr. Warmore said,—­

“I wish to hire you to enter my store, how would you like it?”

The question was so unexpected that Tom was fairly taken off his feet.  He replied with a pleasing laugh,—­

“How can I answer, when I never saw you before, and have no idea of what your business is?”

“True, neither of us has seen the other until to-day; but I may say that I have heard of you from our pastor, Dr. Williams, who conducted the services of your young friend, that was buried a week ago.”

“He cannot know much about me, though we have had several talks together.”

“He talked, too, with Mr. Pitcairn here, as I did myself.”

“Yes,” said the farmer, “he asked me many questions about you, and so did Mr. Warmore the other day when I was in his place.”

“I keep the largest store in Bellemore.  I have kept it for forty years, as did my father before me.  It is what may be called a combination establishment.  My father started it toward the close of the last century, when a journey to New York meant a great deal more than it does to-day.  So he tried to provide the neighbors with everything they could need, such as dry goods, groceries, hardware, farmers’ implements, and, as I said, about all that a large and growing family are likely to require.  I have followed in his footsteps, expanding the business, until now my clerks and assistants number nearly a dozen.  I am in need of a large, strong, wide awake, active boy, who can write a good hand, and who is willing to begin at the lowest round of the ladder and work his way up.”

It was the personality of the man, rather than the business, which attracted Tom Gordon.  He liked Mr. Warmore so well that he secretly resolve to go with him.  But the youth was not lacking in diplomacy.

“How do you know I will suit you, Mr. Warmore?” he asked.

“I don’t; no one can know how another will serve him until the trial is made.  You may not suit at all.  Perhaps I won’t keep you beyond a week.  That’s a risk we must all take.  I’m willing to take it.  Are you ready to see how you like me and the business?”