“Let’s see what firm offers boys the highest wages,” he said. “That’s what I’m looking for.”
He saw several advertisements that seemed to offer a good chance, but Tom was at this disadvantage—he had to walk to the places, for he could not afford car fare. In this way he arrived too late in a number of cases, the positions having been filled just before he presented himself.
“I must pick out the places that are nearest by,” he decided, and he went over the list again. He selected an advertisement of a firm on Tremont Street, that wanted a boy to assist in packing. Tom found it was a big crockery store.
“Have you had any experience in packing?” asked the manager, to whom, after inquiring of several clerks, he was referred.
“We moved once, and I helped them,” said Tom, wondering what sort of packing was done in the place.
“No, I’m afraid that would hardly do,” was the answer. “We want a boy who has had experience in packing dishes.”
“I think I could learn,” spoke the boy eagerly.
“I’m afraid we couldn’t risk it. Our dishes are very valuable, and if a boy broke one or two it would amount to more than his wages. We require experienced help.”
“Couldn’t I learn by beginning to pack heavy dishes, that wouldn’t break so easily, if I happened to drop one?” asked Tom.
“No, I’m afraid not.”