"Well, sir, what is it?" he asked, in a pleasant voice.
"Is this one of the proprietors?"
"Yes, I am Mr. Parsons."
"I see you want a young man, sir."
"We do." Most of the pleasantness vanished, and a sharp look came to the man's face. "You are looking for a situation?"
"Yes, sir."
"Are you a good writer?"
"I will show you my hand, sir?"
"All right. Here is paper and ink. Write a sheetful as rapidly as you can do so in good style."
Hal took up the pen. He was really a rapid writer, and in five minutes the job was done. Parsons looked at the work.