"Not yet, sir. I may be before long."
"I may be able to help you get a place. I am extensively acquainted with business firms. But perhaps you have a place already secured?"
"No, sir."
"Are you well acquainted in Chicago?"
"I know scarcely anyone there—no one of any prominence."
"You may have to wait for a position. Pardon me—it is none of my business—but you ought to have money enough to carry you on a few weeks in case you have to wait."
"I have some money," said Robert cautiously.
"That is well. I am glad to hear it. Are you well educated?"
"Tolerably so."
"Do you know anything about bookkeeping?"