Part 27 (1/2)
”Why don't you strike the people here. It's a new place and the proprietor may need help.”
”That is what I came for.”
”I'll put in a good word for you, Joe. Come on.”
Andrew Mallison led the way to the office and called up a stout, pleasant looking man.
”Mr. Drew, this is a young friend of mine, Joe Bodley. He worked for me this summer,--around the boats and also in the hotel. Now that the season is at an end he is trying to find something to do in the city. If you have an opening I can recommend him.”
Mr. Arthur Drew surveyed Joe critically. The new hotel was to be run in first-cla.s.s style and he wanted his help to be of the best. He rather liked Joe's appearance and he took note of the fact that our hero's hands were scrupulously clean and that his shoes were blacked.
”I've got almost all the help I need, but I might take him on,” he said, slowly. ”One of my present boys does not suit me at all. He is too impudent.”
”Well, Joe is never impudent and he is very reliable,” answered Andrew Mallison.
”I'll give you a trial.”
”Thank you, sir.”
”The wages will depend upon whether you board here or outside.”
”How much will you give me if I stay at the hotel?”
”Four dollars a week.”
”And what if I board outside?”
”Nine dollars a week.”
”Can you give the boy a pretty fair room?” asked Andrew Mallison. ”I know yo'll like him after he has been here a while.”
”He can have a room with another boy. That lad yonder,” and the proprietor of the Grandon House pointed with his hand.
Joe looked and saw that the other lad was gentlemanly looking and rather pleasant.
”It will suit me to stay here, I think,” he said. ”Anyway, I am willing to try it.”
”When can you come to work?”
”Right away--or at least, as soon as I can get my suit case from where I have been stopping.”
”Then come in after dinner and I'll tell you what to do and turn you over to my head man. Randolph, come here!”
At the call a bell boy came up.
”This is another boy who is to work here,” said Arthur Drew. ”He will room with you.”
”Thank you, Mr. Drew, I'll be glad to get rid of Jack Sagger,” said Frank Randolph.
”What's your name?” he went on to our hero.