"Then get out of this office! Do you think I can afford to waste my time in talking to you?" said the young man, angrily.
"You'd rather waste my money. You'll have to hook in some other chap, mister. I've been round."
Of course it was only a trap to fleece the unsuspecting out of their money. Tom was posted, and only went in to have a little fun. He meant to wait and hear what Mr. Ferguson had to propose before forming any decisive plans for the future.
CHAPTER XIII.
AN ADVENTURE.
The next morning, at the time appointed, Tom called at the establishment of Mr. Ferguson. The first he met was Maurice Walton. Maurice, in fact, was the youngest clerk, having received the appointment six weeks before, through the influence of his uncle.
"Did you come round to see me? I'm busy," said Maurice.
"Haven't you swept out yet?" asked Tom, mischievously.
"Do you think I would demean myself by sweeping out?" returned Maurice, disgusted.
"I thought that might be your business."