"I am willing to do anything, both in the place and out, if you can only employ me steadily."
"I know that, Ralph. But the truth of the matter is, my brother has asked me to take his son in, just for his board and clothing, and I have consented. I couldn't do less."
"I suppose not, sir."
"If there is an opening, I will let you know. I like you, and I am well satisfied with the way in which you are putting out the hand-bills."
"You do not know of anybody that needs help?"
The storekeeper thought a moment.
"I do not," he said.
Ralph then told him of the offer he had had to sell novelties on the road to stationery dealers.
"I would not advise you to go into that, Ralph. It is only those who have had considerable experience in the line that make even a fair living by it. The likelihood is that you would make little or nothing for a month or two, perhaps the first year. Get a regular job if you can, at certain wages."
"That is my idea, sir. I must do something."