Now, however, the time had come when he could go forth and enter upon a career. Accordingly he declined Joe Marks’ offer to take him into the store. He understood very well that it was only meant in kindness, and that he was not really needed.
“You don’t need me, Joe,” he said. “You are very kind, but there must be real work for me somewhere.”
“Well, my lad, I won’t stand in your way, but I’ve known you a long time, and I shall hate to lose sight of you.”
“I’ll came back some day, Joe—that is if I am prosperous and can.”
“If you are not prosperous, if you fall sick and need a home and a friend, come back then. Don’t forget your old friend Joe Marks.”
“I won’t, Joe,” said Ernest heartily.
“You’ve got another friend here, Ernest,” added Luke Robbins. “I’m a poor man, and my friendship isn’t worth much, but you have it, all the same.”
Ernest grasped the hands of both. He felt that each was a friend worth having.
“You may be sure that I won’t forget either of you,” he said.
“When do you expect to go, Ernest, and where?” asked Joe Marks.