In five minutes a stout, bald-headed gentleman of fifty came down by the elevator at one side, and stepped forward.
"How are you, Tim?" he exclaimed, thrusting out a chubby hand.
"First rate, Mel," returned Mr. Joyce. "This is a young friend of mine,
Richard Dare," he continued.
Mr. Mann shook hands cordially.
"He has come to the city to try his luck," went on the leather merchant. "He has a taste for your line, so I brought him around to see if you hadn't an opening for him."
Now an application made in this way, and coming from an ordinary source, would have met with a courteous negative. But the firm of Williams & Mann were under obligations to Mr. Joyce, who had on several occasions indorsed their notes for many thousands of dollars. Besides, all three men were old friends; so Mr. Mann gave the request every attention.
"We are rather full of hands," he said slowly; "but still I might find room for him. Have you had any business training?" he continued, turning to Richard.
"Very little, sir," replied the boy promptly, though it came hard to make such a confession.
"He hasn't had a bit," interposed Mr. Joyce. "He's as jolly green as we were when we came here," he added in a whisper. "But he's bright, honest and level-headed, and I've taken a fancy to him and want you to give him a chance."
"Do you like to handle books?" asked Mr. Mann.