“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.

“How are you getting on, Leonard?” Mr. Jennings asked.

“Pretty well, sir; but the machinery makes my head ache.”

“Your uncle tells me that your employment does not agree with you.”

“No, sir; I don’t think it does.”

“He would like to have you in the office with him.  Would you like it, also?”

“Yes, sir,” answered Leonard, eagerly.

“Very well.  You may report for duty at the office to-morrow morning.  This boy will take your place here.”

Leonard eyed Carl curiously, not cordially.

“I hope you’ll like it,” he said.

“I think I shall.”

“You two boys must get acquainted,” said Mr. Jennings.  “Leonard, this is
Carl Crawford.”

“Glad to know you,” said Leonard, coldly.

“I don’t think I shall like that boy,” thought Carl, as he followed Mr.
Jennings to another part of the room.

CHAPTER XVII.

Carl enters the factory.

When they left the factory Mr. Jennings said, with a smile: 

“Now you are one of us, Carl.  To-morrow you begin work.”

“I am glad of it, sir.”

“You don’t ask what salary you are to get.”

“I am willing to leave that to you.”

“Suppose we say two dollars a week and board—­to begin with.”

“That is better than I expected.  But where am I to board?”

“At my house, for the present, if that will suit you.”

“I shall like it very much, if it won’t inconvenience you.”

“Hannah is the one to be inconvenienced, if anyone.  I had a little conversation with her while you were getting ready for dinner.  She seems to have taken a liking for you, though she doesn’t like boys generally.  As for me, it will make the home brighter to have a young person in it.  Hannah and I are old-fashioned and quiet, and the neighbors don’t have much reason to complain of noise.”

“No, sir; I should think not,” said Carl, with a smile.

“There is one thing you must be prepared for, Carl,” said Mr. Jennings, after a pause.