"Of course I will have to begin low down so as to get a grasp upon the details and technical points of the financial side of the business; but I'm willing to learn. Here comes the governor now; I guess he has it clinched."
If he did he certainly showed little signs of satisfaction as he came up, for he simply glared at Dick.
"Come on, son, back to the store. I think you'll have to begin your mercantile career behind a dry goods counter after all," he snarled.
"But the position that was open to me here, with a chance to rise?" exclaimed Ferd, looking aghast at this unexpected explosion of his hopes.
"It is open no longer, Mr. Gibbs himself filled it. And that young interloper has stepped into your place," pointing his trembling finger at Dick.
"What! you?" cried Ferd, hardly able to believe his ears, "impossible!"
Just then the paying-teller called out.
"Richard, here is the letter to be sent registered; and on the way back stop in at Underwoods and leave this notice of a note coming due to-morrow."
"Yes, sir," said Dick, hurrying out; while Ferd followed more slowly, a frown on his face and his teeth gritting with anger.