"I see they're opening an office in this city."
"Harding's in charge. I don't get on with him."
"Well, perhaps that's natural." Davies was keen enough to notice the rancor in Gerald's tone. He was afraid his plans about Allenwood might have to be abandoned, but if he were able to go on with them, Harding would prove his most dangerous opponent.
"I guess Mr. Harding talked pretty straight to you?" he suggested.
"He took an unfair advantage of my position!"
"So you thought you'd strike me for a job? I guess you know you're not worth much."
Gerald winced at this, but he could not resent it. His father had disowned him, and, except for a surreptitious gift from his mother, he had no resources.
"It's plain that I can't insist upon good terms," he replied. "I quite expected you to see it."
Davies considered. He did not suspect Mowbray of any fondness for steady work, and he thought his services as a clerk would be dear at five dollars a week; but the fellow was shrewd and plausible, and had what Davies called tone. Well-brought-up young Englishmen and a few Americans of the same stamp were coming into Manitoba looking for land, and Mowbray, who understood these people, might act as a decoy. Then, he knew all about Allenwood, and this knowledge might be useful later. On the whole, Davies thought he would take the risk of employing him.
"Well," he said, "I'll make you an offer."