"I am sorry I cannot help you at present."
In a few minutes more Ralph was on his way to Glen Arbor, as a fishing resort a mile above Eastport was called. He was to put in half a day there, and the balance of the time around Eastport itself. That done, the entire territory for five miles about Mr. Dunham's store would be billed.
Ralph set out in a very thoughtful frame of mind. He was wondering what the following week would bring forth. Would he strike other work, or be forced to remain idle?
Ralph knew a number of fishermen at Glen Arbor, who let out boats to the summer tourists, and while he was among them he met one, Bill Franchard, who gave him some information that was a delightful surprise.
"Hallo, Ralph Nelson," sang out Franchard, on seeing him. "What brings you here?"
"I'm distributing circulars, Bill," returned the boy. "How is the boating season?"
"Very good just now; better than I expected."
"You haven't got an opening for me?" asked Ralph, quickly.
"Why, ain't you working?"
"This job ends to-day."