"Then we may as well settle the matter at once," and he waited for Ben to draw forth his money. Our hero would, undoubtedly, have done so, if he had not been cautioned by Tom Cooper. As it was, he could not help feeling suspicious.
"I should like to propose something to you, sir," he said.
"What is it?" asked Fitch impatiently.
"Suppose you keep five dollars a week out of my wages for ten weeks-that'll make fifty dollars-and only pay it to me when I leave you."
"Young man," said Mr. Fitch sternly, "this is trifling, and my time is too valuable for such discussion. Have you, or have you not, brought fifty dollars with you?"
"I have."
"Then you can secure the place-a place such as few New York boys are fortunate enough to fill. You must decide for yourself."
He threw himself back in his chair and looked at Ben.
"He seems very anxious about the money," thought our hero, "and I don't see any signs of any business. I'd better back out."
"There are plenty of boys who want the place," continued Fitch, trying to look indifferent.