It was indeed hard to realize that besides the thousand dollars which remained to him after the investment, he would receive three thousand seven hundred and fifty for the sale of half his share, and retain the other half, which was probably worth quite as much more. It was probably no exaggeration to say that he was worth eight thousand dollars, while three months since he was glad when he managed to earn eight or ten dollars a week as a train boy.
"By the way, Paul," said the manufacturer, "I hope you won't retire from business, now you are rich."
"I should not like to be idle, sir."
"I will engage you to travel for my firm, then, and your compensation will depend on your success. Will that suit you?"
"Yes, sir; I can ask for nothing better. When shall I report for service?"
"You may come here daily to get acquainted with the details of our trade. I shall not send you out again for a few weeks."
As Paul passed out of the office, the book-keeper said:
"Well, won't Mr. Bradford take you on again?"
"I have never been out of Mr. Bradford's employment," answered Paul, smiling.
"What!" ejaculated Manson. "You don't mean to say you have been traveling for our firm?"