“It wouldn’t. At home—that’s in Oak Forks, Iowa—I was a hunter. I was always in the open air. The sort of life we live here suits me, though I haven’t made much money as yet.”
“The boy, I think, would do. He looks like a hustler. I need only look at his face to know that he’d be honest and faithful. What is your name, boy?”
“Ernest Ray.”
“That’s a good name. You’ll only have to live up to it—to the first part of it, I mean. Then you accept my offer?”
“You haven’t made any,” said Ernest, smiling.
“Oh, you mean about wages. Well, I don’t offer any stated wages. I will give you one-third profits, and then your pay will depend on your success. The fact is, you are to keep the store.”
“One person can attend to it by day. I will come in the evening, and take a general look after things. Just at first I’ll stay with you till you’ve got the hang of things. But during the day I shall be looking after my claims. Do you know how to keep books?”
“I understand single-entry bookkeeping.”
“That will be all you will require.”