“Let me see it.”
Teddy drew his certificate from an inner pocket. It was rolled up and fastened with an elastic band. His first thought after receiving his mother’s permission to go to work had been for the obtaining of the necessary certificate.
The shrewd-eyed man examined it carefully. “Why did you leave school?” he asked quietly.
Teddy blushed rosy red. Then looking rather defiant, he said clearly, “I couldn’t get along with the teacher. But I’ve had enough of school. I want to work.”
Their interrogator smiled slightly. Then his eyes sought Harry’s face.
“And did you have trouble with the teacher, too?”
“No, sir. I am obliged to go to work to help my mother support us. I left school of my own free will.”
“You will have to bring your certificate of birth. We must know positively that you are as old as you claim to be.”
Harry’s face fell. He had hoped that they would be able to start work at once, provided they were lucky enough to obtain positions.
The brown-eyed man studied the two boys in silence. Teddy braced himself and put on as dignified an expression as he could muster. Harry returned the scrutiny with calm, steady eyes. Still without speaking, Mr. Keene touched the buzzer at one side of his desk. The next instant the pretty girl appeared.