“I will invite you to work for four weeks in my counting-room. It will be the commencement of your business education. Besides, you will do me a favor, as a young clerk is absent from duty, sick with a fever. What do you say?”
“I will accept gladly, sir.”
“The hours are not wearing. In this warm climate we cannot venture to work as steadily as in England or America.”
“Will it be necessary for me to board in the city?”
“No; it will be better, on the whole, to sleep aboard the vessel, as you might contract a fever on shore, not being acclimated.”
“Very well, sir. When do you wish me to begin?”
“To-morrow morning.”
“All right, sir.”
“As to your compensation, I will give you twenty-five dollars per week.”
“But,” said Guy, astonished, “that is a large salary for a novice like me.”