“Have you learned something about the stock?”
“Yes, sir, I think so.”
“Mr. Hall”—this was the superintendent—“tells me that your services are intelligently rendered and very satisfactory.”
“I am very glad that he is satisfied with me,” said Gerald earnestly. “I have done my best.”
“And your best seems to be very good. How would you like to travel for the house?”
Gerald knew that the position of drummer was courted by all the resident clerks, and was considered a distinct promotion.
“I should like it very much, sir, but do you think I am old enough?”
“You certainly are unusually young for such a position, and this, of course, occurred to me, but you have had some experience in traveling, though not on business, with our friend, Mr. Brooke.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And this experience will be of service to you. How old are you?”