Part 3 (1/2)

After a comfortable night's sleep, they got up punctually to the seven o'clock breakfast. It consisted of beefsteak, hot biscuit, potatoes, and very good coffee. d.i.c.k and Fosd.i.c.k did justice to the separate viands, and congratulated themselves upon the superiority of their present fare to that which they had been accustomed to obtain at the restaurants.

Breakfast over, Fosd.i.c.k set out for the hat and cap store in which he was employed, and d.i.c.k for Rockwell & Cooper's on Pearl Street. It must be confessed that he felt a little bashful as he stood in front of the large warehouse, and surveyed the sign. He began to feel some apprehensions that he would not be found competent for his post. It seemed such a rise from the streets to be employed in such an imposing building. But d.i.c.k did not long permit timidity to stand in his way. He entered the large apartment on the first floor, which he found chiefly used for storing large boxes and cases of goods. There was a counting-room and office, occupying one corner, part.i.tioned off from the rest of the department. d.i.c.k could see a young man through the gla.s.s part.i.tion sitting at a desk; and, opening the door, he entered. He wished it had been Mr. Rockwell, for it would have saved him from introducing himself; but of course it was too early for that gentleman to appear.

”What is your business?” inquired the book-keeper, for it was he.

”I've come to work,” said d.i.c.k, shortly, for somehow he did not take much of a fancy to the book-keeper, whose tone was rather supercilious.

”Oh, you've come to work, have you?”

”Yes, I have,” said d.i.c.k, independently.

”I don't think we shall need your valuable services,” said the book-keeper, with something of a sneer. The truth was, that Mr. Rockwell had neglected to mention that he had engaged d.i.c.k.

d.i.c.k, though a little inclined to be bashful when he entered, had quite got over that feeling now. He didn't intend to be intimidated or driven away by the man before him. There was only one doubt in his mind. This might be Mr. Cooper, the second member of the firm, although he did not think it at all probable. So he ventured this question, ”Is Mr. Rockwell or Mr. Cooper in?”

”They're never here at this hour.”

”So I supposed,” said d.i.c.k, coolly.

He sat down in an arm-chair, and took up the morning paper.

The book-keeper was decidedly provoked by his coolness. He felt that he had not impressed d.i.c.k with his dignity or authority, and this made him angry.

”Bring that paper to me, young man,” he said; ”I want to consult it.”

”Very good,” said d.i.c.k; ”you can come and get it.”

”I can't compliment you on your good manners,” said the other.

”Good manners don't seem to be fas.h.i.+onable here,” said d.i.c.k, composedly.

Apparently the book-keeper did not want the paper very particularly, as he did not take the trouble to get up for it. d.i.c.k therefore resumed his reading, and the other dug his pen spitefully into the paper, wis.h.i.+ng, but not quite daring, to order d.i.c.k out of the counting-room, as it might be possible that he had come by appointment.

”Did you come to see Mr. Rockwell?” he asked, at length, looking up from his writing.

”Yes,” said d.i.c.k.

”Did he tell you to come?”

”Yes.”

”What was that you said about coming to work?”

”I said I had come here to work.”

”Who engaged you?”

”Mr. Rockwell.”

”Oh, indeed! And how much are you to receive for your valuable services?”