"This is the chance I have been looking for; I won't let the opportunity slip. It doesn't seem as if there would be much hope for me, but there's no harm in trying, anyhow."
He followed Mr. Wattles, and just before that gentleman reached the telegraph office he tapped him on the shoulder.
The manager turned quickly. When he saw the boy, he asked, impatiently:
"Well, what is it?"
"Can I speak with you a few minutes, sir?"
"Not now, not now."
Mr. Wattles was about to resume his walk, but the boy laid a detaining hand on his arm.
"I want to see you on business, sir."
"You have business with me?"
"Important business, sir."