While hard at work, with his coat off and his sleeves rolled up, Mr. Williams appeared. He was quite an old man, and in many respects much pleasanter than his partner.
"I came up to see how you were making out," he said. "You will have your hands full, trying to do two men's work."
"Oh, I guess I can manage it," replied Richard pleasantly. "I wouldn't want to do it very long, though," he added.
"I'll give you a hand," said Mr. Williams. "This used to be my work years ago, and I still like it."
"Here is an order from Pittsburgh I can't read very well," said Richard.
"I'd be much obliged if you will help me on that."
"All right. Give it to me."
In a few minutes employer and employee were hard at work together. Mr. Williams had not intended to stay very long, but he became interested, both in the work and in Richard, and it was only when, two hours later, a message came for him, that he went below.
"He is a nice man," thought Richard, when Mr. Williams had gone. "I am sure he would not have treated Mr. Mann with more consideration than he did me. No wonder Mr. Joyce called for him first the day he brought me here."
A little later Earle Norris came up.
"Hello! alone?" he exclaimed.