“We’re too late,” said Tom.
“You’ve got as good a show as any of ’em. You’ll git a chance t’ see one of the lawyers, and when you do, jest up and tell him you was my assistant. They know it takes a good boy to work a board in a broker’s office.”
“But I wasn’t your assistant.”
“Well, tell ’em I taught you. That’ll do.”
Charley had to leave Tom, to go to his own duties, and a little later, the offices of the law firm were opened. The boys were admitted in turn, and at last it came Tom’s chance.
Luckily he kept his head, and answered the questions the lawyer asked him so intelligently, and told so frankly just what had been his telephone exchange experience, that the lawyer remarked encouragingly:
“I believe you’ll do.”
Tom’s heart gave a bound. Fortunately he had several good letters of recommendation, and, after a few more details had been settled, our hero found himself engaged to take charge of the switchboard in the private exchange of the big law firm, the boy who had previously managed it having been discharged for incompetency.
“Won’t mother be glad!” exclaimed Tom, and he wished he could hurry home and tell her, but as the firm needed an operator at once, Tom had to start right in. At last he had what he felt was a good position.