"I don't like the offer, and I think it is an outrage that you are allowed to conduct business on such principles," replied Robert, and lost no time in quitting the place. The proprietor followed him to the door and shook his fist after him.
The next place was a map-maker's office. Here there was a large force of clerks, and the youth was received very politely.
"I am sorry to keep you waiting," said the clerk who advanced to see what the boy wanted. "But Mr. Ruggles is very busy at present. Will you sit down or call again?"
"I'll wait a little while," said Robert, who was favorably impressed by the surroundings. "That is, if the place that was advertised is still open."
"I can't say as to that. There have been several applicants, but the entire matter is in Mr. Ruggles' hands."
The clerk turned away and Robert dropped on a long bench running up one side of the waiting room. Hardly had he settled himself than two men came in. One looked like an Englishman while the other was evidently French.
The clerk greeted them as if they had been there before.
"Mr. Stanhope will see you directly," he said.
"We cannot wait too long," said the Englishman. "My friend—Jean Le Fevre, must get back to Michigan as soon as possible."
"I will tell Mr. Stanhope," said the clerk, and vanished into an inner office.