"Mr. Hunter seems quite a remarkable young man," said Mr. Bates. "I can hardly believe that his past history has been as he gave it."
"It is strictly true, sir. Three years ago he could not read or write."
"If he continues to display the same energy, I can predict for him a prominent position in the future."
"I am glad to hear you say so, sir. Dick is a very dear friend of mine."
"Now, Mr. Fosdick, it is time you were thinking of dinner. I believe this is your dinner hour?"
"Yes, sir."
"And it is nearly over. You must be my guest to-day. I know of a quiet little lunch room near by, which I used to frequent some years ago when I was in business on this street. We will drop in there and I think you will be able to get through in time."
Fosdick could not well decline the invitation, but accompanied Mr. Bates to the place referred to, where he had a better meal than he was accustomed to. It was finished in time, for as the clock on the city hall struck one, he reached the door of Henderson's store.
Fosdick could not very well banish from his mind the thoughts of his extraordinary change of fortune, and I am obliged to confess that he did not discharge his duties quite as faithfully as usual that afternoon. I will mention one rather amusing instance of his preoccupation of mind.
A lady entered the store, leading by the hand her son Edwin, a little boy of seven.