“But, sir, I can’t hope to earn as much as that.”
“Well, perhaps not just at first,” said the merchant, smiling; “but if your looks don’t belie you, it will not be long before your services will be worth that sum. At any rate I am ready to pay it.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Harry gratefully. “When would you wish me to commence?”
“When you please. You had better take a vacation of a month to visit your friends. Then come to the city, and enter my employment.”
Harry renewed his thanks, and Mr. Woolson turned to Jack.
“You have been trained as a sailor, I believe,” he said.
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you wish to follow the sea?”
“Yes, sir,” answered Jack promptly. “I love the sea.”
“Then I will find you a good position on one of my ships, commend you specially to the captain as a young friend of mine, and promote you as fast as your progress in seamanship will warrant my doing so.”