“I wish there was a vacancy in our establishment.”
“I only want temporary employment. I expect Mr. Sands will take me back on his return.”
“I didn’t think of that. Have you thought of anything?”
“I am going to try my luck as a newsboy.”
“As a newsboy! What will your friends, the Vivians, say?”
“I don’t know, and I can’t afford to care. I must get a living somehow for the next few days, and I would rather sell papers than black boots. In the afternoon I shall try to get a little baggage-smashing to do.”
“I admire your pluck, Gilbert,” said his room-mate. “Not many boys, brought up as you have been, would be willing to sell papers in the streets.”
“I don’t pretend to like it,” said Gilbert; “but I would rather do it than sponge on others, or take money flung at me as alms. If you object to rooming with a common newsboy,” he added, smiling, “I suppose I must look for another boarding-place.”
“Wait till I give you notice to quit,” said Ingalls. “In the mean time I will do all I can to encourage you. I will buy a morning paper of you to-morrow morning. Where shall you stand?”
“Near the ‘Times’ building, I think. Don’t forget your promise now. If I have one customer engaged I shall sleep more soundly.”