"I don't care to tell at present."
"Is it true? Have you got a place?"
"Yes."
"I don't see how you could. Mr. Goodnow wouldn't give you a recommendation.""There is no reason why he should not.""What, after your taking cloaks and dress patterns from the store?""I did nothing of the kind. Sooner or later Mr. Goodnow will find out his mistake. Probably the real thief is still in his employ."Jasper turned pale and regarded Rodney searchingly, but there was nothing in his manner or expression to indicate that his remark had been personal. He thought it best to turn the conversation.
"How much pay do you get--four dollars?"
"More than that."
"You don't get as much as you did at our store?""Yes; I get more."Now it was Jasper's turn to show surprise. He did not know whether to believe Rodney or not, but there was something in his face which commanded belief.
"How much do you get?" he asked.
"You would not believe me if I told you."
"Try me," returned Jasper, whose curiosity was aroused.
"I am to get fifteen dollars a week."
Jasper would not have looked more surprised if Rodney had informed him that he was to become a Cabinet minister.
"You're joking!" he ejaculated.
"Not at all."
"How could you have the face to ask such a price. Did you pass yourself off as an experienced salesman?""No.""I don't understand it at all, that is, if you are telling the truth.""I have told you the truth, Jasper. I have no object in deceiving you. The salary was fixed by my employer.""Who did you say it was?""I didn't say."
Jasper's cunning scheme was defeated. He felt disturbed to hear of Rodney's good fortune, but he had a shot in reserve.
"I don't think you will keep your place long," he said in a malicious tone.
"Why not?"
"Your employer will hear under what circumstances you left our store, and then of course he will discharge you.""You will be sorry for that won't you?" asked Rodney pointedly.
"Why of course I don't want you to have bad luck.""Thank you. You are very considerate.""Suppose you lose your place, shall you go back to selling papers?""I hope to find something better to do.""Where are you going now?"
"To get some lunch."
"So am I. Suppose we go together."
"Very well, providing you will lunch with me.""I don't want to impose upon you.""You won't. We may not meet again for some time, and we shall have this meal to remind us of each other."They went to a well known restaurant on Park Row. Rodney ordered a liberal dinner for himself, and Jasper followed his example nothing loath. He was always ready to dine at the expense of others, but even as he ate he could not help wondering at the strange chance that had made him the guest of a boy who was selling papers the day before.
He had nearly finished eating when a disturbing thought occurred to him. Suppose Rodney didn't have money enough to settle the bill, and threw it upon him.
When Rodney took the checks and walked up to the cashier's desk he followed him with some anxiety. But his companion quietly took out a five dollar bill, from his pocket and tendered it to the cashier. The latter gave him back the right change and the two boys went out into the street.
"You seem to have plenty of money," said Jasper.
"There are very few who would admit having that," smiled Rodney.
"I don't see why you sold papers if you have five dollar bills in your pocket.""I don't want to be idle.""May I tell my uncle and Mr. Goodnow that you have got a place?""If you like.""Well, good by, I must be hurrying back to the store."Rodney smiled. He rather enjoyed Jasper's surprise and perplexity.
