“Thank you for your kind advice,” said Dick. “Is it gratooitous, or do you expect to be paid for it?”
“You’re an impudent fellow.”
“That’s a very cheerin’ reflection,” said Dick, good-naturedly.
“Do you expect to get this place when there’s gentlemen’s sons applying for it? A boot-black in a store! That would be a good joke.”
Boys as well as men are selfish, and, looking upon Dick as a possible rival, the boys who listened seemed disposed to take the same view of the situation.
“That’s what I say,” said one of them, taking sides with Roswell.
“Don’t trouble yourselves,” said Dick. “I aint agoin’ to cut you out. I can’t afford to give up a independent and loocrative purfession for a salary of three dollars a week.”
“Hear him talk!” said Roswell Crawford, with an unpleasant sneer. “If you are not trying to get the place, what are you here for?”
“I came with a friend of mine,” said Dick, indicating Fosdick, “who’s goin’ in for the situation.”
“Is he a boot-black, too?” demanded Roswell, superciliously.