"I'll show Mr. Montgomery I can get a job right here in Baxter," he exclaimed, and, crossing the street, entered the town's hardware store, asking the proprietor for any sort of a job.
"Don't want any one but a boy to run errands," replied the man. "I suppose that's beneath you."
"No honest work is beneath me," rejoined Fred. "How much will you pay?"
"Three dollars."
"Raise me if I make good?"
"Yes."
"How soon do you want me?"
"This afternoon at one o'clock."
"All right, I'll be on hand."
Proud of her son's pluck, Mrs. Markham gave her permission, and Fred was on hand promptly. And so ready and willing was he that before night he was assisting the proprietor in many little ways.