“True, Mr. Jennings, but there are other ways of earning a living.”

“Certainly.”

“And I thought of giving Leonard evening instruction in bookkeeping.”

“That alters the case.  Good bookkeepers are always in demand.  I have no objection to your trying the experiment.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Have you mentioned the matter to your nephew?”

“I just suggested that I would ask you, but could not say what answer you would give.”

“It would have been better not to mention the matter at all till you could tell him definitely that he could change his place.”

“I don’t know but you are right, sir.  However, it is all right now.”

“Now, Carl,” said Mr. Jennings, “I will take you into the workroom.”

CHAPTER XVI.

Carl gets A place.

“I suppose that is the bookkeeper,” said Carl.

“Yes.  He has been with me three years.  He understands his business well.  You heard what he said about his nephew?”

“Yes, sir.”

“It is his sister’s son—­a boy of about your own age.  I think he is making a mistake in leaving the factory, and going into the office.  He will have little to do, and that not of a character to give him knowledge of business.”

“Still, if he takes lessons in bookkeeping——­”

Mr. Jennings smiled.

“The boy will never make a bookkeeper,” he said.  “His reason for desiring the change is because he is indolent.  The world has no room for lazy people.”

“I wonder, sir, that you have had a chance to find him out.”

“Little things betray a boy’s nature, or a man’s, for that matter.  When I have visited the workroom I have noticed Leonard, and formed my conclusions.  He is not a boy whom I would select for my service, but I have taken him as a favor to his uncle.  I presume he is without means, and it is desirable that he should pay his uncle something in return for the home which he gives him.”

“How much do you pay him, sir, if it is not a secret?”

“Oh, no; he receives five dollars a week to begin with.  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.”