The broker shoved a pad toward Hal, and handed him a pen filled with ink.
Hal put down a sentence or two, and added his own name.
"That will do very well. You say you can figure fairly?"
"I have been through the common school arithmetic."
"What would my commission be on six thousand dollars' worth of bonds, sold at one hundred and fifteen, commission one-quarter of one per cent?"
Hal figured for a moment.
"Seventeen dollars and twenty-five cents," he said.
Mr. Sumner gave him several other sums. The youth answered all of them quickly and correctly.
"That will do first-class," said the broker. "Now to come to business. Would you mind telling me why you left Fairham?"
"Not at all, Mr. Sumner," replied Hal.