"I don't agree with him," said the stock-clerk. "I don't know what he means by having lots of sport and all that, but I never believed in being out late nights. It isn't right, and besides it doesn't pay. Haven't you noticed the deep circles around Norris's eyes? They come from a want of sleep, and how long do you suppose he can stand that sort of thing and his work here without breaking down? Why, I remember when he came here, a year ago, he looked twice as healthy as he does now."
"Then he is foolish," said Richard. "I wouldn't want to run the risk of ruining my health, especially needlessly."
"Of course if our way of living is too quiet for you—I suppose it would be for most young fellows—you are at liberty to leave at any time."
"Thank you, Frank; I know I can, but I reckon I'll stay just as long as you care to keep me, or at least until I can afford to bring the family here."
"Norris has approached me several times on the subject of joining him in some of his frolics," went on Frank, "but I have never gone out with him."
"Does he get a very large salary?"
"No more than I—ten dollars a week."
"I should think it would take every cent he had after his board was paid to dress him. His clothing is more fashionable than Mr. Mann's."
"He certainly isn't saving any money," replied Frank.
Frank Massanet had his own idea about Earle Norris and his peculiar ways. He was almost certain that there would some day be a startling development at Williams & Mann's, but, having as yet no proofs, he kept quiet concerning his suspicions.