"I have taken an agency to sell tea for the Great Pekin Tea Company. I am to begin to-morrow."
"I am afraid you won't like it. A friend of mine tried it once and came near starving."
This was not encouraging, but Frank was not going to despair before he had fairly begun his work.
"I find that boys receive such small wages," Frank continued, "that I preferred to try an agency."
"Quite true," said Mr. Preston, condescendingly. "When I started I was paid a paltry sum; now I am not paid what I am worth. Still, twenty-five dollars a week is fair."
"Quite fair," responded Frank, who could not, of course, know that Mr. Preston did not receive one-half of this sum, though he chose to give that impression.
After dinner, Preston was obliged to go back to the store where he was employed. By invitation, Frank walked with him.
Turning into Sixth Avenue they passed a saloon.
"Won't you have something to drink, Courtney?" said Preston.
"No, thank you, I never drink," answered Frank.