After supper that evening he confided to the landlord his plans for finding a foreman's position on a stock farm.
"Well, I dunno. There are such places, but they're always snapped up 'fore you can say Jack Robinson."
"Well, I'm going to give it a good try," the young fellow said bravely.
"That's right. If I was you, I'd go out and see some of these real-estate fellers; they most always know what's going on."
"That's a good idea; much obliged. I'll tackle 'em to-morrow," said Arthur, and he went off to bed, feeling victory almost a tame bird in his hands.
The next forenoon he made his first attempt. He had determined on his speech, and he went into the first office with his song on his lips.
"I'm looking for a place on a dairy farm; I've had five years' practical experience, and am a graduate of the——Agricultural College. I'm after the position of bookkeeper and foreman."
The man looked at him gravely.
"You're aiming pretty high, young feller, for this country. There are plenty of chances to work, punching cattle, but I don't think chances are good for a foreman's place." He was a kindly man, and repented when he saw how the young man's face fell. "However, I'll give you some names of people to see."
On the whole, this was not so depressing, Arthur thought.