CHAPTER II
TORCHY MAKES THE SIR CLASS
Say, it's all right, gettin' the quick boost up the ladder, providin' you don't let it make you dizzy in the head. And, believe me, I was near it! You see, bein' jumped from office boy to private sec, all in one afternoon, was some breath-takin' yank.
I expect the full force of what had happened didn't hit me until here the other mornin' when I strolls into the Corrugated gen'ral offices on the new nine o'clock schedule and finds this raw recruit holdin' down my old chair behind the rail. Nice, smooth-haired, bright-eyed youngster, with his ears all scoured out pink and his knickerbocker suit brushed neat. He hops up and opens the gate real respectful for me.
"Well, Son," says I, "what does Mother call you?"
"Vincent, Sir," says he.
"Some class to that, too," says I. "But how do you know, Vincent, that I'm one of the reg'lar staff and not canvassin' for something?"
"I don't, Sir," says he, "until I see if you know where to hang your hat."
"Good domework, Vincent," says I. "On that I'm backin' you to hold the job."
"Thank you, Sir," says he. "I told Mother I'd do my best."