“I agree with you, Chester. We will live for each other, and hope for something to turn up.”
“I hope the first thing to turn up will be an increase of salary. To-morrow is New Year’s Day, and it will be a good time to ask.”
Accordingly, that evening, just as the store was about to close, Chester gathered up courage and said: “Mr. Tripp.”
“Well, that’s my name,” said Silas, looking over his iron-bowed spectacles.
“To-morrow is New Year’s Day.”
“What if ’tis? I reckon I knew that without your tellin’ me.”
“I came here last New Year’s Day. I’ve been here a year.”
“What if you have?”
“And I thought perhaps you might be willing to raise my salary to four dollars a week,” continued Chester, hurriedly.
“Oho, that’s what you’re after, is it?” said Silas, grimly. “You think I’m made of money, I reckon. Now, don’t you?”