(Exit, L.)
F. Yes, and, judging from the slight examination I have made, it already needs to be revised and corrected. But there’s no doubt about my getting a situation, Ed. You see what a demand there is for my services. Sixty letters already! I can almost imagine myself at the head of a village post-office.
E. The quality may not be as satisfactory as the quantity. But if all these letters are to be examined, we must to work, and use diligence too. Suppose you open them, and read them aloud.
F. That’s a good way. Here’s one written in a wretched hand, which I will read first.
(Cutting off one end of the envelope he draws out a piece of paper about six inches square, which runs thus:)
F. (reading).
“Mister Forrister: I seen your notis in the paper yisterdy. And sez I to myself, I don’t bleeve I cood do better than to hire that man. My bizness is diggin’ wells, wich is one branch of farmin’, becoz every farm has to have one or more. As you say you’re a green hand, I should expec you to pay your bord for the fust month. I’d give you your bord the second month for your work. After that we’d talk about wages, though I coodn’t pay much. When cood you kum?
“Yours to command,
“Solomon Porcupine.”
E. (laughing). Ha! ha! ha! That’s a good one. If you go there you’ll be sure to learn one branch of the business pretty thoroughly. Shall you accept, and become a member of Mr. Porcupine’s family? By the way, he has a charming name.