But Water Street, crooked, ill paved and dirty, was a decided contrast to its neighbor. Storage and warehouses abounded; and the numerous trucks backed up to receive or deliver goods necessitated walking more in the street than on the sidewalk.
The building occupied by the Norris Printing Co. was at length reached. The office was on the second floor, and climbing up a flight of worn and grimy steps, Richard knocked at the door.
"Come in," said a voice from inside, and he entered.
"I understand you want a boy to help feed," he began, addressing a man who sat at a desk piled with books and printed sheets.
"Apply to Mr. Nelson, in the basement," was the brief reply.
"Yes, sir."
The stairs to the lowest floor were even narrower than the others had been. It led to a pressroom that seemed to be one mass of motion and noise.
Mr. Nelson proved to be a pleasant man of perhaps fifty.
"Had any experience?" he asked, after Richard had announced his errand.
"No, sir; but I think I can learn as quickly as anybody."