Norris disappeared, and a moment later Richard sent the crate containing the goods down on the elevator to be packed up below. After that he worked steadily until six o'clock, at which time he had the satisfaction of knowing that every order sent up had been promptly and correctly filled.
Richard found Frank and his mother already at home when he reached there in the evening. The funeral of Mrs. Massanet's sister had been a quiet, but sad affair, and Richard saw that no one was in humor for much talking, and all retired early.
Frank was not a little astonished in the morning to find that Richard had done all the work so well, and also that Mr. Williams had helped.
"I declare, between you, you'll soon be cutting me out of a job," he laughed.
"Oh, I hope not," returned Richard. "If I'd thought that, I surely would not have worked so hard."
"Oh, it's all right," replied Frank.
"If I ever go into business for myself," he thought, "Richard Dare is just the clerk I want to help me. He is bright, and not afraid of work, and those are the fellows who get along."
Frank Massanet's one idea was to some day own a bookstore of his own. He understood the trade thoroughly, and with the proper location and a fair amount of cash he was tolerably certain that he could make such a place pay. His savings amounted to several hundred dollars now; he was only waiting for the time to come when they would be at least a thousand. Then he intended to strike out for himself.
The two worked on steadily through most of the day. Late in the afternoon a boy came up from below.
"Mr. Mann would like to see you in his private office," he said to
Richard.