On parting with Frank, Oscar Klemner offered our hero a fifty-cent piece.
“You’ve earned it,” he said.
“I don’t want the money. I am glad I got the experience,” said Frank, and refused to accept the coin. Soon they parted; and it was many a day before our hero saw Oscar Klemner again.
Frank did not relish the walk back to Claster, after his tramp all over Porthaven. But there seemed no help for it, and he struck out as swiftly as his tired limbs would permit.
“If I’m going to be a book agent, I may as well get used to walking first as last,” he told himself. Yet, when a lumber wagon bound for Claster came along, he was glad enough to hop up beside the driver and ride the last half of the journey. Even then, it was nearly ten o’clock when he got to his home.
“So you’ve had no luck, Frank?” said Mrs. Hardy. “I am sorry for you. Have you had any supper?”
“No, mother. But don’t worry; I’ll find a couple of slices of bread or so.”
“There is some tea on the stove, and some beans and rice pudding in the pantry, and some cake and berries. You must be very hungry.”
“I’ve got a plan,” said Frank, when he was eating. “I’ll tell you about it in the morning. It’s too late now.” And as soon as he had satisfied his hunger he went to bed.
When our hero told his father and his mother of his plan, on the following morning, both were much surprised.