"No; I'm his secretary. What is the meaning of this disturbance?"
"I was trying to see Mr. Carrhart——"
"You have a most peculiar way of going about it, I must say," was the sharp reply. "What did you wish to see him about?"
"I want to get a job."
"At what?"
"Anything—preferably in the mines."
The secretary laughed.
"I am sorry, young man, but the president is a very busy man. And besides, this is not the place to come for a situation in the mines. You will have to apply to one of the superintendents at the mines. However, I believe you are too young and——"
"But I am quite strong, sir. I am sure I shall be able to do a day's work. I am anxious——"