Robert was amused. But he saw that Mr. Livingston Palmer was quite in earnest.
"How about the boss?"
"Oh, he's a fair business man, but he couldn't get along without me."
"Then I hope he won't have to. I will take it as a favor if you will help me along. I am quite inexperienced. I never was in any business before."
"Yes, I'll look after you. If Mr. Gray knew what was to his interest, he would take me into partnership."
"Did you ever suggest it to him?"
"Well, no, not exactly, but I've given him a delicate hint, but he never seemed to understand what I meant."
Just then Peter Gray came in. He looked quite insignificant compared with either of his two clerks, but Robert soon found that he was a hustler and a good man of business.
"So you are here on time?" he said pleasantly.