"Then go and see him at once, Hiram. If you can secure it, all will be well, if not, your little brothers and sisters will have to be separated, perhaps sent to an orphan asylum."
Mrs. Mayberry covered her face with her hands and sobbed bitterly for some moments.
Hiram eat his frugal meal quickly, and returned to the store, where he had to remain until his employer went home and dined. On his return he asked liberty to be absent for half an hour, which was granted. He then went direct to the counting room of Mr. Easy, and disturbed him as has been seen. Approaching with a timid step, and a flushed brow, he said in a confused and hurried manner—
"Mr Easy there is a lad wanted at the Gazette office."
"Well?" returned Mr. Easy in no very cordial tone.
"Mother thought you would be kind enough to speak to Mr. G—for me."
"Havn't you a place in a store?"
"Yes sir. But I don't get any wages. And at the Gazette office they will pay four dollars a week."
"But the knowledge of business to be gained where you are, will be worth a great deal more than four dollars a week."
"I know that, sir. But mother is not able to board and clothe me. I must earn something."