“It was not a bad preparation for business, but in some cases it gives a boy disinclination for manual labor.” “Yes; I wouldn’t care to work with my hands all my life.” “I don’t blame you for that. You have qualified yourself for something better. How much do I pay you?” “I began on two dollars a week and my board. At the end of six months you kindly advanced me to four dollars.” “I dare say you have found it none too much for your wants.” Carl smiled. “I have saved forty dollars out of it,” he answered. Mr. Jennings looked pleased. “You have done admirably,” he said, warmly. “Forty dollars is not a large sum, but in laying it by you have formed a habit that will be of great service to you in after years. I propose to raise you to ten dollars a week.” “But, sir, shall I earn so much? You are very kind, but I am afraid you will be a loser by your liberality.” Mr. Jennings smiled. “You are partly right,” he said. “Your services at present are hardly worth the sum I have agreed to pay, that is, in the factory, but I shall probably impose upon you other duties of an important nature soon.” “If you do, sir, I will endeavor to meet your expectations.” “How would you like to take a journey Carl?” “Very much, sir.” “I think of sending you--to Chicago.” Carl, who had thought perhaps of a fifty-mile trip, looked amazed, but his delight was equal to his surprise. He had always wished to see the West, though Chicago can hardly be called a Western city now, since between it and the Pacific there is a broad belt of land two thousand miles in extent. “Do you think I am competent?” he asked, modestly. “I cannot say positively, but I think so,” answered Mr. Jennings. “Then I shall be delighted to go. Will it be very soon?” “Yes, very soon. I shall want you to start next Monday.” “I will be ready, sir.” “And I may as well explain what are to be your duties. I am, as you know, manufacturing a special line of chairs which I am desirous of introducing to the trade. I shall give you the names of men in my line in Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland and Chicago, and it will be your duty to call upon them, explain the merits of the chair, and solicit orders. In other words, you will be a traveling salesman or drummer. I shall pay your traveling expenses, ten dollars a week, and, if your orders exceed a certain limit, I shall give you a commission on the surplus.” “Suppose I don’t reach that limit?” “I shall at all events feel that you have done your best. I will instruct you a little in your duties between now and the time of your departure. I should myself like to go in your stead, but I am needed here. There are, of course, others in my employ, older than yourself, whom I might send, but I have an idea that you will prove to be a good salesman.” “I will try to be, sir.”