"It must be a good deal of trouble," said Dick. "Is my face very dirty?"
"Not very. There's a black spot on each cheek, and one on the side of your nose, and your chin looks a little shady."
"A feller can't keep very clean in my business."
"I suppose it is rather hard," Frank admitted; "but you won't be a boot-black always, I hope."
"I'd just as lieves give it up for bankin', or cashier of a savings-bank," said Dick. "Them's light, genteel kinds of business, and don't dirty the hands."
"Well, Dick, if I hear of an opening in either line I'll let you know. Now I must go and buy a trunk."
"I never expect to get as far as a trunk," said Dick. "I shall feel like a gentleman when I can set up one. It wouldn't be no use to me now. I'd have to stuff it with rocks to make a show."
"Poor Dick!" thought Frank as he left his friend. "He takes the world too easy. He hasn't any ambition, or he wouldn't be content to keep on blacking boots when there are so many better ways of making a living. If I ever get a chance to give him a lift I will. He aint much to look at, but he's a good-hearted boy, and would put himself to a good deal of trouble to do me a favor."
It was not much trouble to pack his trunk. Indeed, he had scarcely enough clothing to fill it one-third full.
"I may have to adopt Dick's plan, and fill it with rocks," said Frank to himself. "Some day I shall be better supplied. I can't expect to get on too fast."