He seemed to be one of Mr. Leonard’s employes, and was a tall, well built man, but dressed with a foppish vanity that at once attracted the boy’s attention.
He looked with surprise at the merchant’s strange visitor, a look of disdain coming upon his face, as he drew somewhat back, as if in fear of contamination. Will glanced at him from head to foot, with a steady, impudent stare.
“The Everhart is in,” he said. “The Danton shipment of silks on board. I have just received notice.”
“That is good news, Wilson,” replied Mr. Leonard. “The market is just ready for them. See to the custom-house charges at once. We must have them in store as soon as possible.”
“I will attend to it,” he said with a somewhat pompous air.
With another look of supercilious wonder at Will he left the room.
“Who’s that cove?” asked the latter.
“That is Mr. Augustus Wilson, my principal bookkeeper.”
“He is a hoss, he is,” said Will, with a contemptuous puff. “A man of his size dressed like a peacock, and biting off his words like a school-girl. I bet he’s a dose.”
“If I should give you employment, Will, you must learn to curb your tongue, and not be so insolent to the men in the store. They would not stand impudence from a boy.”