Part 20 (1/2)

Theo followed hi to notice that as the ed a word or tith every ea question concerning the wife or baby at home That the men liked their employer there could be no question

His manner toward them was one of unaffected interest and friendliness, and was entirely free froe or condescension

His private office, too, was of the si neatly but not lavishly furnished Evidently as good enough for his reat s several boxes of blossorant

”I am very fond of flowers, Theo,” explained the reeted his office force and introduced his guest ”It is ance This room has just the exposure for plants and we keep the boxes filled the year round The boys have nicknamed the place _the conservatory_ and the jest has stuck until nobody thinks of calling the place anything else If you were to ask a man to come to the office he would have to scratch his head and think; but if you told him he anted in the conservatory he would land here double quick Isn't that so?” concluded Mr Croyden, turning to the others

Every one s up his hat andTheo to do the same turned to encounter a pile of mail that lay on his desk

”Bless my soul, this is too bad!” he exclaimed ”Don't tell h the factory Uncle Salanced ruefully at the letter lying topmost on the heap; then at the second one

”I am afraid these will have to be attended to, Theo,” he said with regret ”Should you be dreadfully disappointed if I were to turn you over to soe?”

”No, indeed, sir”

”I auess that is what I shall have to do,” declared Mr Croyden ”You canI will try to join you myself”

He touched a bell

”Send Marwood to me,” he said to the boy

”Mr Marwood is a splendidly inforhtful one You will enjoy him, and I have a notion he will enjoy you He likes boys--has three of his own, lucky fellow! Ah, here he co friend, Theo Swift of New York”

The boy put out his hand shyly

The eyes that met his were of the kindliest blue; and the face they illumined was ruddy, wholesome, and alert

Instantly Theo decided that since Mr Croyden hiuide he had at least provided a very pleasant substitute

”Theo wants to see everything there is to be seen, Jack,” continued Mr Croyden ”Tote him all about and answer all his questions; and above all be thorough, even if you do not cover veryI want the processes carefully explained, for this boy may be a china-maker hi all that is left of him back to the conservatory so I can take hihed, and so did Theo

Then they passed out

”Good luck!” called Mr Croyden after them as he turned to take up his mail

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XV