"You are doing better than I am, my boy," said one business man bluntly.
Rupert looked about the large store in which he was standing, and said: "I don't see how that can be, sir, I am making nothing."
"And I am making less than nothing. Last month I fell behind five hundred dollars."
"I am sorry to hear it, sir," said Rupert, in a tone of sympathy.
The merchant looked at him approvingly.
"You appear to be a good boy," he said. "I wish I had a place for you. I can send you on an errand, if that will be any object to you."
"Anything, sir, will be welcome."
"Then you may take a note from me to a firm in Astor Place. Wait five minutes and it will be ready."
Rupert took a seat, and in five minutes the merchant reappeared with a sealed note.