Warren kept a “meal house,” which phrase was a ruse that saved him from a burdensome hospitality. Determined to do it all in the best style, Rolf took Annette to the meal-house table. She was deeply awed by the grandeur of a tablecloth and white plates, but every one was kind.
Warren, talking to a stranger opposite, and evidently resuming a subject they had discussed, said:
“Yes, I'd like to send the hull lot down to Albany this week, if I could get another man for the canoe.”
Rolf was interested at once and said: “What wages are you offering?”
“Twenty-five dollars and board.”
“How will I do?”
“Well,” said Warren, as though thinking it over: “I dunno but ye would. Could ye go to-morrow?”
“Yes, indeed, for one month.”
“All right, it's a bargain.”
And so Rolf took the plunge that influenced his whole life.