Part 19 (1/2)
”Yes, sir,” said Roswell, with a little hesitation.
”How much more would satisfy you?”
”Two dollars more,--for the present,” said Roswell, beginning to feel a little hopeful.
”That is six dollars a week.”
”Yes, sir.”
”And how soon would you expect another advance?” asked Mr. Turner, quietly.
”In about six months.”
”You are quite moderate in your demands, certainly.”
There was something in Mr. Turner's tone which struck Roswell as unfavorable, and he hastily said in his own justification:--
”There's a friend of mine, no older than I am, who gets ten dollars a week.”
Certainly Roswell must have spoken inadvertently, or he would hardly have referred to d.i.c.k as his friend; but his main idea at present was to produce an impression upon the mind of Mr. Turner.
”Is your friend in a dry goods store?” asked Mr. Turner.
”No, sir.”
”Then I don't see that his wages have any bearing upon your case. There may be some special circ.u.mstances that affect his compensation. How long has he been in the service of his present employer?”
”Only a week or two.”
”Is this his first place?”
”Yes, sir.”
”It may be that he is some relative of his employer.”
”That isn't very likely,” said Roswell, his lip curling. ”He used to be a boot-black about the streets.”
”Indeed!” said Mr. Turner, keenly. ”I think you said he was a friend of yours.”
”No, sir,” said Roswell, proudly; ”I haven't the honor.”
”You certainly said 'There's a friend of mine, no older than I am, who gets ten dollars a week.'”
”I didn't mean to speak of him as my friend,” said Roswell; ”I'm a gentleman's son.”
”If you are, his friends.h.i.+p might do you no harm. If he receives the wages you state, he must be a smart fellow. If he didn't earn as much, probably he would not receive it.”
”I don't believe he'll keep his place long,” muttered Roswell, his wish being father to the thought.
”If he doesn't, you may be able to succeed him,” said Mr. Turner. ”I shall be compelled to refuse your request. Indeed, so far from increasing your compensation, I have been considering during the last week whether it would not be for my interest to get another boy in your place.”