“We’ll make it, with five minutes to spare,” commented Harry as they stepped out of the elevator. He pointed to a clock on the wall. It was twenty-five minutes past seven.
But when they reached the large outer office and waiting room where they had filed their applications, they were somewhat surprised to see at least eight boys of about their own age seated on the oak benches reserved for applicants.
“I wonder if they’ve got jobs, or are just waiting to see Mr. Keene,” whispered Teddy. “I wonder where that nice girl is. The one who took us into the office yesterday. I’d like to know how we’re going to get in to see Mr. Keene, if he doesn’t know we are here. There’s a man at the big desk this morning. Don’t you remember? It was shut when we were here yesterday. I wonder what he does?” Teddy’s sharp, black eyes roved here and there, taking in every point of interest. Suddenly they grew round with astonishment. “Oh, look, Harry!” He pointed excitedly. Advancing from the direction of the stairway was a procession of boys. They were walking two abreast, in precise, orderly fashion. Harry and Teddy watched them in fascination.
“Whew!” breathed Teddy. “What a lot o’ boys. I wonder where they’re goin’? I don’t b’lieve they’ll want us here when they’ve got so many other fellows.”
“I thought you said you were going to keep thinking you’d get a position,” reminded Harry, smiling. His eyes were riveted interestedly on the line of boys now almost out of sight around a corner formed by a partition at the further end of the long open space where the waiting boys were seated.
“Well, I did, and I am,” retorted Teddy. “Oh, dear, it’s a quarter to eight now, and here we sit.” He fidgeted impatiently, slid to the far end of the long bench, then slid back again, bumping smartly against Harry.
“Quit it, Ted,” rebuked Harry good-humoredly.
Ted snickered softly, but ceased his sliding. He sat quietly for perhaps three minutes, then impatience overcame him. “If nobody comes to ask us what we want by eight o’clock, I’m goin’ to beat it out of here,” he warned. “I’ll go somewhere else and look for a job.”
“My, what a lot of patience you have,” commented Harry sarcastically.