"You do believe, though, in talking things over with your mother."
"Sure! We always tell Ma everything if we can get a chance. So does all Mulberry Court, for that matter. Ma's that sort."
The stranger toyed with an ivory letter-opener thoughtfully.
"Now I'll tell you what we'll do," began he at last. "To-day is Saturday, isn't it?"
Carl nodded.
"Well, if your friends, the Harlings, are not straightened out by Monday morning I will let you begin a week from to-day as errand boy in this office."
"Bully!" cried the delighted applicant.
"If, on the other hand," continued the gentleman at the desk, speaking slowly and evenly, and not heeding the interruption, "Miss Harling finds work and the family do not need your aid, you must agree to put in your free time at home helping your mother as you have been doing in the past. Is that a bargain?"
"Y-e-s."
"What's the matter?"