"No, I'm going to be something better than a tramp."
"Where have you been?" asked Mrs. Nelson.
Sitting down, Ralph told the story of his day's work. Like the true mother she was, Mrs. Nelson was thoroughly interested in all he had to say.
"To-morrow I shall go to Silver Cove and Rickson's Corners," he said. "And the day after to the hotels up at the head of the lake."
"I shouldn't think it would pay Mr. Dunham to advertise in this way."
"I think it will. Up at Hopeville I met a gentleman who read the circular eagerly. He said he had been hunting for a store where he might buy some toys and games for his children, and he is going to visit Mr. Dunham's place to-morrow. Half-a-dozen good customers would pay for the bills and for the distributing, too."
"If Mr. Dunham gets such an increase in trade, perhaps he will give you a place in the store," suggested Mrs. Nelson.
"That's so. I'll speak to him about it."
During the evening meal, Ralph noticed that his mother did not appear to be very well, and presently he asked her about it.
"I have a pain in my side, Ralph," she said. "But I imagine it will get better by morning."