“Well, as to that, he did nothing very serious, but he wasted time when he was sent out on an errand, and I felt that it was injurious to the interests of Mr. Fairchild to retain him.”
“He used to be spry enough when he worked for me.”
“When he worked for you?”
“Yes. I keep a store out in Wyncombe, and he was in my employ most a year. I used to think him quite a lively boy.”
“I dare say he would do very well in a country store, but in the city we want boys to be active and wide awake. I don’t want to say anything against him. He was perfectly honest, so far as I know.”
“Has he got another place?”
“I don’t think he has. It is difficult for a boy to get a place in this city—that is, a good place, and he wouldn’t be likely to refer any employer to me.”
“I’m afraid he’ll be put to it to live, for his mother was poor. How much wages did you pay him?”
“Five dollars a week.”
“That’s pretty high pay.”