"If I make less I can live on less. There's a small room in back, where I can put in a bed, that will save me room-rent. My meals I can buy at the restaurants. I don't believe it will cost me over three hundred and fifty dollars to live."
"So that you could save up money."
"Yes, I should be sure to. After a while I could buy out the whole business."
Rufus was silent for a moment. He had five hundred dollars. Why should he not set up George Black in business on the terms proposed? Then, instead of getting a paltry thirty dollars' interest for his money, he would get two or three hundred dollars, and this would abundantly make up what he needed to live in good style at Mrs. Clayton's, and afford Rose and himself occasional recreation. Of course a good deal depended on the honesty of George Black. But of this young man Rufus had a very good opinion, having known him for two or three years. Besides, as partner he would be entitled to inquire into the state of the business at any time, and if anything was wrong he would take care that it was righted.
"What are you thinking about?" inquired the young man, observing his silence.
"How would you like me for a partner?" asked Rufus, looking up suddenly.
"I'd just as lief have you as anybody, if you had the money," said George Black.
"I have got the money," said our hero.
"You don't mean to say you've got five hundred dollars?" asked Black, in surprise.
"Yes, I do."