“Take me,” said Tom confidently.
“You!” repeated the merchant in surprise.
“Yes; I am looking for a place, and I will serve you faithfully.”
“How old are you?”
“Sixteen.”
“You are only a boy.”
“I know that, but why can’t a boy sell goods as well as a man. It doesn’t take size or strength, does it?”
“You’re right there,” said the trader, “but it takes knowledge of the goods. Do you know anything of the business?”
“No, but I’ll soon learn.”
“Then I shall have the trouble of breaking in a green hand.”