"If you were a man now, I could give you work in the mine. But I can't put boys in there. Have you had any experience in mining?"
"No, but I know something about it from hearing my father tell about it. He is a miner."
"What is his name?"
Fred told him, and found that, while the manager did not know Mr. Stanley, he had heard of him.
"I wish, for your father's sake, I could give you work," he said. "I'll keep you in mind, and you shall have the first job that is open."
"Thank you. I shall try some other places here."
"I would, if I were you, and you can refer to me."
"That is very kind of you."
Fred bade the manager good-morning, and started off to see if there was not work elsewhere for him. But he found that either all the places were filled, or that, when there was work, it was of such a nature that he could not do it.
Somewhat discouraged, he sat down in a shady place to eat his simple lunch, and, after a drink from a spring, he felt refreshed.