Part 4 (2/2)
”Harry Gilbert. What's yours?”
”Howard Randall.”
”Where do you live?”
”I used to live at Upton, but my father is dead, and mother--she's Mrs.
Mead's sister--told me I'd better come to see if Uncle Reuben wouldn't give me a place in his store.”
Instantly it flashed upon Harry that this new boy's arrival was likely to endanger his prospects. Mr. Mead, as he knew, had no occasion for the services of two boys, and he would naturally give his nephew the preference. He was not unjust enough to take a dislike to Howard in consequence. Indeed, the new boy had a pleasant face and manner, which led him to think he would like him for a friend.
”If I do lose my place,” thought Harry, ”I will put my trust in G.o.d. I don't think He will see me or mother suffer, and I won't borrow trouble until it comes.”
”Were you ever employed in a store?” he asked, pleasantly.
”No; that is, not regularly. I have been in our grocery store at home for a few days at a time, when the storekeeper's son was sick.”
”You look as if you were about my age.”
”I am sixteen. My birthday came last month.”
”Then you are a little older. I am not sixteen yet.”
”You look stronger than I. I should think you were older.”
Harry felt flattered. All boys like to be considered strong and large for their age, and our hero was no exception to the general rule in this respect.
”I don't know about that,” he answered. ”I guess we are a pretty good match. How far off is Upton?”
”Fifty miles.”
”You haven't walked all the way, have you?” inquired Harry, in surprise.
”Every step,” said Howard, proudly. ”You see, money isn't very plenty with us, and I told mother I didn't mind walking. I got a lift for a few miles the first day, so I haven't walked quite all the way.”
”You and I seem to be situated pretty much the same way,” said Harry. ”I have no father, and we have hard work to get along.”
”You seem like a tiptop fellow. I think I shall like you.”
”The same to you,” said Harry, smiling. ”I am glad you are coming to Greenville to live.”
Harry was sincere enough in his words, so far as his impressions about the boy went, but when he reflected that through him he was likely to lose his place he felt a little troubled.
”Look here!” said Howard, suddenly; ”will you lose your place if uncle takes me into his store?”
”I don't think he will need two boys,” replied Harry, soberly.
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