"I see." "Then, I should want--aw--to have Saturday afternoons to myself, both in winter and summer. I always go to the theater matinees--so many--aw--pretty girls there," continued the dude. "And what else?" "I should not want to work later than five in the afternoon. Excessive labor is injurious to the health." "Perhaps that is true." "Then I should--aw--wish it understood that I could have five or six weeks off in the summer, so that I can visit the springs or the seashore," continued the dude. "Is that satisfactory?" "I suppose it would be, to you," answered the jeweler. "I think so." "It wouldn't satisfy us at all." "Really! That is too bad!" "We want a man here who can work, and who is not afraid of long hours, and who doesn't set quite such a high figure on his services. You'll never fill the bill in the wide world. Good-day!" "Really!" murmured the dude, and after staring at the jeweler, he turned on his heel and left in utter disgust. Several who had overheard the interview laughed out-right. "What a perfect fool!" thought Nat. "I wonder if anybody will ever give him anything to do?" "What can I do for you, young man?" asked the jeweler, turning to the boy. "I am looking for work, sir." "Are your expectations as high as those of the chap who just left?" "No, sir. I am willing to work hard and I am not afraid of long hours." "Then you are not a dude?" "No, sir. Do I look like one?" "You look like a country lad." "I came from the country about a month ago. I've been working for Trumbull & Davison, the paper dealers. But they have sold out to another firm and don't need me any longer." "I see. Well, I am sorry for you, for you look bright and honest. But I need somebody with experience in the jewelry line." "Then you haven't any place that I can fill?" "No, I--but hold on. I'll tell you what I might do. Do you know anything about horses?" "Yes, sir." "And about a garden?" "Yes, sir. I was brought up on a farm." "I need a man around my country home in New Jersey. I might try you there, at twelve dollars a month and your board." Again Nat's face fell. "Thank you, but I want to get something to do in the city," said he. "I am tired of farm life." "Then I can't give you anything," and the jeweler turned away. During the remainder of the day Nat visited several other stores and offices. But everywhere he received the same answer--that he was too late and the position advertised was already filled. "Perhaps I did wrong not to take that position over in New Jersey," he thought, on his way to his boarding house. "But I don't want to go back to farm work if I can help it." Two additional days passed, and still Nat found nothing to do, although he tramped from Forty-second Street clear down to the Battery several times. Then he obtained a job which lasted three days and paid him but two dollars. "This isn't earning a living," he reasoned. "Unless I do better I'll have to try selling papers or blacking boots."