“Can’t I go for him?”
“Possibly, although I don’t see what you can do.”
“I could have a talk with Mr. Garrison and also with the other men who are interested in the order.”
“Well, we’ll wait and see how matters turn,” said Mrs. Hardy, with a sigh.
The accident had happened on Saturday, and during Sunday Mr. Hardy was decidedly feverish, so that the doctor had to come and attend him twice. The night to follow was an anxious one for the whole family, but by Monday noon the sufferer felt much better, although, on account of his crushed foot, he did not dare to move.
The store had been closed, but before and after school Frank delivered the orders that were left on the slate, and also went to such customers as his father mentioned. Trade was indeed slow, and the boy could readily see that the two rivals of his parent were doing the larger portion of the business. And this was not to be wondered at, since each had a fine location and made a very attractive display. If the truth must be told, Mr. Hardy was a bit old-fashioned in his ways, and he allowed his rivals to go ahead of him without much of a protest.
“I wish I knew all about the store,” thought Frank. “I’d go in for all the business there was.”
A letter had been sent to Jabez Garrison by Mrs. Hardy—the letter being dictated by her husband—but Wednesday passed without any answer being received. On this day Frank returned from school, stating that the final examination was at an end.
“And I received ninety-three per cent. out of a possible hundred,” said he, with just a little pride.
“You have certainly done very well,” answered Mrs. Hardy, and gave him a fond kiss. “Then you are sure of your grammar-school diploma?”