“I am quite ready to take that hundredth chance,” said Herbert, in a way that pleased the banker.
“Well, I admire your courage, young man, but now to return to business. Suppose I were to give you a situation, how could you live on three dollars a week? You say you have no means, and must earn your own living. I cannot pay a larger salary at first.”
“I am sure I can manage that all right, sir; one can do what he must do.”
“That is true; your ideas are sound there, surely. What is your age?”
“I am nearly seventeen, sir.”
“You are so strongly built, perhaps you could get a place where more money could be paid for your services; some place where heavy work is to be done.”
“I am not afraid of hard work, for I have always been accustomed to it; but I would much rather have a chance where there are good prospects ahead.”
“Again you are right,” said the banker, now becoming interested in the young Vermonter. “What is your education?”
“I passed through our district school, and went for several terms to the Green Mountain Academy. I have taught three terms of school.”
“Three terms! You certainly must have commenced young.”