And, sitting down, he told how the trustees had intended to use him, and of his determination to do for himself.
"And I will not go back, no matter what happens," he concluded, decidedly.
"Well, I cannot say as I blame you," was the slow reply. "Of course, you owe them something, but perhaps you can pay them back quicker in the way you have undertaken. Have you any idea in regard to salary?"
"I intended to take what I could get, and then look around for something better."
"How would you like to work for me?"
"First-rate, sir."
"I need an office boy to take Ferris' place, and also somebody to help copy contracts and make out bills and statements. If you could combine the two I would give you seven dollars a week at the start, and increase the amount as you become more valuable."
Hal's heart beat fast. Seven dollars a week! It was more than twice what he could have earned at Lawyer Gibson's office in Fairham.
"Oh, thank you!" he cried. "I did not expect so much."
"I expect you to earn the money," replied the broker. He made this remark, but, nevertheless, he had not forgotten that Hal had saved his life. "Have you any money with you?"