Paul the Peddler Part 20

"It is fortunate for my son that he found you to take his place,"

said Mrs. Barry. "He could not afford to lose all the income from his business."

"It is a good thing for both of us," said Paul. "I was looking for a job just when he fell sick."

"What had you been doing before?"

"I was in the prize-package business, but that got played out, and I was a gentleman at large, seeking for a light, genteel business that wouldn't require much capital."

"I shall be able to take my place pretty soon now," said the young man.

"I might go to-morrow, but mother thinks it imprudent."

"Better get back your strength first, George," said his mother, "or you may fall sick again."

But her son was impatient of confinement and anxious to get to work again. So, two days afterward, about the middle of the forenoon, Paul was surprised by seeing George Barry get out of a Broadway omnibus, just in front of the stand.

"Can I sell you a necktie, Mr. Barry?" he asked, in a joke.

"I almost feel like a stranger," said Barry, "it's so long since I have been here."

"Do you feel strong enough to take charge now?" asked Paul.

"I am not so strong as I was, and the walk from our rooms would tire me; but I think if I rode both ways for the present I shall be able to get along."

"Then you won't need me any longer?"

"I would like to have you stay with me to-day. I don't know how I shall hold out."

"All right! I'll stop."

George Barry remained in attendance the rest of the day. He found that his strength had so far returned that he should be able to manage alone hereafter, and he told Paul so.

"I am glad you are well again, George," said Paul. "It must have been dull work staying at home sick."

"Yes, it was dull; but I felt more comfortable from knowing that you were taking my place. If I get sick again I will send for you."

"I hope you won't get sick; but if you do, I will do what I can to help you."

So the two parted on the best of terms. Each had been of service to the other, and neither had cause to complain.

"Well," said Paul to himself, "I am out of work again. What shall I go at next?"

It was six o'clock, and there was nothing to be done till the morrow. He went slowly homeward, revolving this subject in his mind. He knew that he need not remain idle. He could black boots, or sell newspapers, if nothing better offered, and he thought it quite possible that he might adopt the latter business, for a few days at least. He had not forgotten Mr. Preston's injunction to let him know when he got out of business; but, as the second half dozen s.h.i.+rts would be ready in three or four days, he preferred to wait till then, and not make a special call on Mr Preston. He had considerable independence of feeling, and didn't like to put himself in the position of one asking a favor, though he had no objection to accept one voluntarily offered.

"Well, mother," he said, entering his humble home, "I am out of business."

"Has George recovered, then?"

"Yes, he was at the stand to-day, but wanted me to stay with him till this evening."

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" said Jimmy.

"Sorry that George has got well? For shame, Jimmy!"

"No, I don't mean that, Paul. I am sorry you are out of work."

"I shall find plenty to do, Jimmy. Perhaps Mr. Stewart will take me in as senior partner, if I ask him."

"I don't think he will," said Jimmy, laughing.

"Then perhaps I can get a few scholars in drawing. Can't you recommend me?"

"I am afraid not, Paul, unless you have improved a good deal."

CHAPTER XIV

THE DIAMOND RING

Paul was up betimes the next morning. He had made up his mind for a few days, at least, to sell newspapers, and it was necessary in this business to begin the day early. He tool a dollar with him and invested a part of it in a stock of dailies. He posted himself in Printing House square, and began to look out for customers. Being an enterprising boy, he was sure to meet with fair success in any business which he undertook. So it happened that at ten o'clock he had sold out his stock of papers, and realized a profit of fifty cents.

It was getting late for morning papers, and there was nothing left to do till the issue of the first edition of the afternoon papers.

"I'll go down and see how George Barry is getting along," thought Paul.

He crossed Broadway and soon reached the familiar stand.

"How's business, George?" he inquired.

"Fair," said Barry. "I've sold four ties."

"How do you feel?"

"I'm not so strong as I was, yet. I get tired more easily. I don't think I shall stay in this business long."

"You don't? What will you do then?"

"I've got a chance in Philadelphia, or I shall have by the first of the month."

"What sort of a chance?"

"Mother got a letter yesterday from a cousin of hers who has a store on Chestnut street. He offers to take me as a clerk, and give me ten dollars a week at first, and more after a while."

"That's a good offer. I should like to get one like it."

"I'll tell you what, Paul, you'd better buy out my stand. You know how to sell ties, and can make money."

"There's only one objection, George."