"I wish he had left me to listen to those schemers a bit longer," was what he thought.
But there seemed no help for it, and leaving the Englishman and the Canadian talking earnestly to each other he entered the private office of the proprietor of the firm.
Mr. Ruggles proved to be a pleasant man past middle age.
"If you have been waiting to see me I am sorry for you," he said, after Robert had stated the object of his visit. "I engaged a clerk less than an hour ago."
This was a set-back and the boy's face fell.
"I am sorry too," he said. "I imagine this office would just suit me."
"You can leave your name and address. Perhaps the other young man may not be suitable. Have you any recommendations?"
"I worked for Mr. Peter Gray, the cut-rate ticket man. We were burnt out, and Mr. Gray doesn't know what he is going to do next."
"I know Mr. Gray, and if he can recommend you that will be sufficient. Here is a sheet of paper. Do you know what I pay a clerk at the start?"
"No, sir?"