"Let him ask."
"I am afraid in that case he will lose his place. The last time Willie asked for a raise he was angry."
"Very well, if he loses his place I will find him another. Or, stay, I will ask Ezra myself."
"That will be better."
So Seth called the next evening on his rich relative. He was not received with open arms, for Mr. Little was under the impression that he wanted to borrow money.
"I can't give you much time to-night, Seth," said the merchant. "I have a business engagement. Have you found anything to do?"
"I think I can see my way clear to a place as confidential clerk and bookkeeper in a small office downtown."
"How much salary?"
"Possibly fifteen dollars a week."