"Yes, but—that is to say—"
"But if you're really looking for a job, I'd like to give you one first rate."
Duncan started toward him in breathless haste. "You—you'd like to!—You don't mean it!"
"Yes," Graham nodded, smiling with enjoyment of his little joke. It was harmless; he didn't for a moment believe that Duncan really needed employment; and on the other hand it tickled him immensely to think that anyone should apply to him for work.
"Well," said Duncan, staring, "you're the first man I ever met that felt that way about it."
Sam's amusement dwindled. "The trouble is," he confessed—"the trouble is, my boy, my business is so small I don't need any help. There isn't much of anything to do here."
"That's just the sort of a place I'd like," said Duncan impulsively. Then he laughed a little, uneasily. "I mean, I'm willing to take any position, no matter how insignificant. I mean it, honestly."
"This might suit you, then—"
"I wish you'd let me try it, sir."
"But you don't understand." Graham was serious enough now; there wasn't any joke in what he had to say. "To tell you the truth, I can't afford it. When your pay was due, I'm afraid I shouldn't have any money to give you."