"Then you need help?" asked Richard, quickly, glad to think he had struck an opening with so little trouble.
"Yes, I do. My son James who helps me is sick in Philadelphia, and consequently I have only the errand boy to relieve me. It is too much for me and I must get a clerk."
"I would like you to try me," said Richard eagerly. "I would do my best to suit, even if the place was only a temporary one."
"It might be permanent. The business is growing. But of course when my son came back I could not pay a clerk so much."
"How much would you pay now?"
"How much do you expect?" asked Mr. Martin cautiously.
"I was getting eight dollars a week at my last place."
"I would be willing to pay that. But I want some one who is trustworthy and willing to learn. Have you other recommendations?"
"I can refer you to Mr. Timothy Joyce," replied Richard; and he wrote down the leather merchant's name and address on a bit of wrapping paper.
Mr. Martin looked at the neat handwriting.