“No, sir; he dislikes me.”
Mr. Perkins looked curious, and Chester, considerably to his own surprise, confided to him the story of his relations with the bookkeeper.
“He’s a scamp!” commented the man from Minneapolis. “Why does Mr. Fairchild keep him. I wouldn’t! I’d bounce him very quick.”
“He has been with Mr. Fairchild five years and understands his business thoroughly.”
“Well, there is something in that; but I wouldn’t like to have in my employ a man whom I couldn’t trust. Have you ever been out West?”
“No, sir.”
“You ought to come out there. The city I represent is a smart one and no mistake. Of course you’ve heard of the rivalry between Minneapolis and St. Paul.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I don’t take sides, for I live in both, but I think business facilities in Minneapolis are greater. I think you are a boy who would succeed at the West.”
“I should like to go there some day. I own some property in Washington Territory.”