At the word “teacher,” Teddy Burke figuratively pricked up his ears. What was Mr. Keene talking about, and what did he mean by his record in school? Was it possible that each day he would have to take his card to his ancient enemy, Miss Alton? Would Mr. Keene send to West Park Grammar School for his record? It was a most uncomfortable moment for Teddy.
Harry, however, was drinking in the superintendent’s words with an eagerness born of a sudden hope. He thrilled at the words “teacher” and “school.” He remembered dimly that a boy had once told him of a certain department store in the city which conducted a school for its messenger and stock boys. He had forgotten all about it, but now his heart beat faster. Suppose that store were Martins’, and that he——
Mr. Keene interrupted his reflections with, “Through the kindness of Mr. Edwin Martin, the senior partner of Martin Brothers, the store has a school for both the boys and girls under eighteen years of age who are employed here. Every boy and every girl must go to school from half-past seven until eleven o’clock on two different days of each week. We expect our boys to take advantage of this great privilege and do their very best, all the time, whether in school or on the floor.”
“I am so glad I can still go to school.” Harry’s voice vibrated with thankfulness. Teddy was strangely silent.
“It is a great opportunity, my boy,” returned Mr. Keene kindly. “Now, take these slips to Mr. Marsh, the young man who brought you here. He will show you to your departments and tell you what to do.”
“Thank you, sir,” Harry’s eyes were shining with happiness as he turned to leave the room.
“Thank you, sir,” said Teddy mechanically. His thin face was decidedly solemn. Supreme disgust looked out of his black eyes. Once outside the office, Harry felt a quick clutch at his arm. Harry’s blue eyes met Teddy’s scornful gaze. “I’m goin’ to beat it,” he declared. “Catch me working any place where I have to go to school.”
“Oh, don’t be such a goose.” Harry’s voice was purposely sharp. He had no time to argue the matter with Teddy. “I wouldn’t be a quitter until I’d tried things out. You may like this school as much as you hated the other. Come on. We can’t stand here talking all day.”
Teddy walked beside Harry to Mr. Marsh’s desk with the air of a martyr. As he passed the still-waiting row of boys he hunched his shoulders and stared at them with a cross-eyed glare, which was one of his accomplishments, and caused them to giggle audibly.