“Thank you, but you must allow me in return to occupy a part of the day with my old duties in the shop.”
“I shall be glad to have you, as it will give me some relief. As your successor needs breaking in to his duties, I have been considerably confined.”
This arrangement was satisfactory to Tom, as he felt that the obligation now would not be wholly on his side. He had an independent spirit, and he did not like to receive favors of a pecuniary nature.
He was behind the counter in the afternoon, when a man came in, who was by no means a specimen of manly beauty. He had a good figure, indeed, but his hair was bright red, and he had whiskers of the same color, while his complexion was mottled. In addition his eyes were obscured by an enormous pair of spectacles.
“An odd-looking specimen,” thought Tom.
The man walked up to the counter, and leaning over, said in a low voice:
“Can I speak with you in private?”
Tom started. It occurred to him that the man might be crazy, and he hesitated.
“What can you wish to speak to me about?” he said. “I don’t know you.”
“About a matter of importance.”