“Forget it, Willie, and tell me about the bunch. I’m crazy to know all about them.”
“Well, I was just running through the list. Next comes Roy Mercer,” and Willie’s eyes twinkled. “He’s become famous as the wireless operator——”
Willie dodged just in time to miss a book that Roy shied at him. “Tell me something about yourself, Willie. It’s some time now since Commencement, and I suppose you have a fine job all salted away for autumn delivery. What are you going to do with yourself, Willie?”
All the joy went out of Willie’s face. His eyes sought the floor. “I—I—I—I haven’t anything in prospect, Roy,” he said gloomily.
“You’re too particular, Willie. A fellow can’t always get the job he wants just at the start.”
“I can’t get any job at all, Roy. That’s the hard part of it.”
“Get out! A boy with your ability and with a high school diploma and with your good record as a student! Of course you can get a job. You’re too particular, that’s all.”
“If only that was the case, Roy, I’d be the happiest fellow in the world. But it isn’t a matter of being particular. I can’t get any job at all.”
Poor Willie looked so sober that Roy laughed outright. Then, seeing the hurt look on Willie’s face, he said: “Forgive me, Willie. But you pulled such a funny face I just couldn’t help laughing. And anyway, I know you’re mistaken. Why, business men everywhere are constantly on the lookout for bright young fellows like you, Willie.”
For a long time Willie was silent. “Perhaps they are,” he admitted gloomily. “But they want them lar—lar”—he appeared almost to choke over the word—“they want them larger.”