Part 3 (1/2)

Wait and Hope Horatio Alger 12320K 2022-07-22

”I'll come for a few weeks, at that rate,” he said.

”But perhaps you won't like your duties,” said the hunchback, grinning in a curious manner.

”What would be my duties?”

”I should paint you red, and have you stand outside the door, as an Indian,” was the answer.

Ben didn't relish the joke.

”You'd better take that position yourself,” he retorted. ”n.o.body'd know the difference.”

”Get out!” roared the cigar dealer angrily.

Ben left at once.

”That's the third situation I've been offered,” he said: ”I'd give 'em all three for a decent one.”

Chapter III

At Lovell's Grounds

On the way home Ben met James Watson.

”How are you, James?” he said. ”What have you been doing this morning?”

James gaped.

”The fact is,” he said, ”I have only just got up and had my breakfast.”

”I don't see how you can lie abed so late.”

”Oh, I can do it just as easy. I guess I was born sleepy.”

”You look so,” retorted Bed, with a laugh.

”What have you been doing?” inquired James lazily.

”I've been about in search of a place.”

”You have!” said James, with sudden interest. ”Did you find any?”

”Yes, I found three.”

”What!” exclaimed James, in surprise.

”I was offered three places.”

”Which did you take?”