Finishing his ice cream, Jim thanked the editor and got up to leave.
“Look,” said Morgan suddenly, “Let’s hire Jim to distribute the bills about the Co-op. He could take them around on his horse.”
“Good idea,” approved the editor. “Do you know the countryside pretty well, Jim?”
“Why sure,” said Jim. “I’ve lived here all my life.”
“Well, we will give you a dollar and a half a day. The idea is to deliver bills advertising the new Farmer’s Co-operative that we are forming. We want to put a circular in the hands of every farmer within a radius of ten miles. I have a big map at my office on which we can mark out the territory. Want the job?”
“I sure do,” said Jim enthusiastically.
“You be at the office tomorrow morning at nine or so. The circulars will be printed by then and we can get started.”
Jim said nothing at home about his day’s adventures, other than to mention that he had a job for the next few days. The following morning he hurried through his chores, gave Ticktock a hasty grooming, and then rushed into the house to change into clean overalls. His mother had prepared a lunch, which was ready for him, packed in a brown paper bag. Jim looked inside to make certain he would have enough. Riding all day would not ruin his appetite. There were three thick sandwiches, two pieces of cake and two apples. It would do, he decided after some consideration.
“Thanks, Mom,” he said. “Ticktock and I’ll be home in time for supper.”
“All right, cowboy,” smiled his mother. “Don’t get lost now.”