"Better keep it then," replied the merchant. "I'll make you a present of it." He laughed, presumably at the smallness of the gift.
"Thank you."
"Have you had any luck yet in your search for work?"
"No, sir. I could have had a job at several places, but the pay was so small I couldn't afford to accept any of them."
"Yes, that's the trouble. Good openings are scarce, and very often one must be known to get a place."
"And some want security," added the boy, relating his interview with the tea-merchant.
"Don't have anything to do with that class of men," exclaimed Mr. Joyce emphatically. "They won't give you a cent more than they are forced to, and advancement in their service is out of the question."
"It didn't strike me very favorably."
"I am sorry that you are not better acquainted with city ways. You may have to pay dearly for your experience, though I hope not."
"I'm going to keep my eyes open as widely as I can, sir."