Toward the close of the last day he overtook a young man of twenty-five, who was traveling in the same direction.
“Good-afternoon,” said the young man, sociably.
“Good-afternoon, sir.”
“Where are you bound, may I ask?”
“To the next town.”
“Fillmore?”
“Yes, if that is the name.”
“So am I. Why shouldn’t we travel together?”
“I have no objection,” said Carl, who was glad of company.
“Are you in any business?”
“No, but I hope to find a place.”
“Oh, a smart boy like you will soon find employment.”
“I hope so, I am sure. I haven’t much money left, and it is necessary I should do something.”
“Just so. I am a New York salesman, but just now I am on my vacation–taking a pedestrian tour with knapsack and staff, as you see. The beauty of it is that my salary runs on just as if I were at my post, and will nearly pay all my traveling expenses.”
“You are in luck. Besides you have a good place to go back to. There isn’t any vacancy, is there? You couldn’t take on a boy?” asked Carl, eagerly.
“Well, there might be a chance,” said the young man, slowly. “You haven’t any recommendations with you, have you?”
“No; I have never been employed.”
“It doesn’t matter. I will recommend you myself.”
“You might be deceived in me,” said Carl, smiling.
“I’ll take the risk of that. I know a reliable boy when I see him.”
“Thank you. What is the name of your firm?”
“F. Brandes & Co., commission merchants, Pearl Street. My own name is Chauncy Hubbard, at your service.”
“I am Carl Crawford.”
“That’s a good name. I predict that we shall be great chums, if I manage to get you a place in our establishment.”
“Is Mr. Brandes a good man to work for?”
“Yes, he is easy and good-natured. He is liberal to his clerks. What salary do you think I get?”
“I couldn’t guess.”
“Forty dollars a week, and I am only twenty- five. Went into the house at sixteen, and worked my way up.”
“You have certainly done well,” said Carl, respectfully.
“Well, I’m no slouch, if I do say it myself.”
“I don’t wonder your income pays the expenses of your vacation trip.”
“It ought to, that’s a fact, though I’m rather free handed and like to spend money. My prospects are pretty good in another direction. Old Fred Brandes has a handsome daughter, who thinks considerable of your humble servant.”
“Do you think there is any chance of marrying her?” asked Carl, with interest.
“I think my chance is pretty good, as the girl won’t look at anybody else.”
“Is Mr. Brandes wealthy?”
“Yes, the old man’s pretty well fixed, worth nearly half a million, I guess.”
“Perhaps he will take you into the firm,” suggested Carl.
“Very likely. That’s what I’m working for.”
“At any rate, you ought to save something out of your salary.”
“I ought, but I haven’t. The fact is, Carl,” said Chauncy Hubbard, in a burst of confidence, I have a great mind to make a confession to you.”
“I shall feel flattered, I am sure,” said Carl, politely.
“I have one great fault–I gamble.”
“Do you?” said Carl, rather startled, for he had been brought up very properly to have a horror of gambling.
“Yes, I suppose it’s in my blood. My father was a very rich man at one time, but he lost nearly all his fortune at the gaming table.”
“That ought to have been a warning to you, I should think.”
“It ought, and may be yet, for I am still a young man.”
“Mr. Hubbard,” said Carl, earnestly, “I feel rather diffident about advising you, for I am only a boy, but I should think you would give up such a dangerous habit.”
“Say no more, Carl! You are a true friend. I will try to follow your advice. Give me your hand.”
Carl did so, and felt a warm glow of pleasure at the thought that perhaps he had redeemed his companion from a fascinating vice.
“I really wish I had a sensible boy like you to be my constant companion. I should feel safer.”