"Why, that is excellent," he said. "When I was at Tenney & Rhodes' I only received five dollars weekly and had to furnish my own meals." "True, but you were then in the line of promotion. Here you cannot expect to rise any higher unless you qualify yourself to be a hotel man." "At any rate I am willing to try it. Where is the hotel?" "It is the Somerset House, on lower Broadway. It is not a fashionable hotel, but comfortable and of good reputation. I am somewhat acquainted with the office clerk, who was an old schoolmate of mine, and at my request he has given you this position." "I hope I shall give satisfaction. I shall be a green hand." "The duties are easily understood and learned. If you show that you are desirous of succeeding you will make a good impression, and you will get on well." "When am I to commence work?" asked Rupert. "I will take you down town with me to-morrow morning, and introduce you to Mr. Malcolm, the clerk. I suppose you will be expected to go to work directly." "I should prefer that." "One thing I must tell you. You will have to secure a room outside, as the employees are not expected to sleep in the hotel. All the rooms are reserved for guests." "What will my hours be?" "From seven in the morning till seven in the evening. By this arrangement you will have your evenings to yourself." Rupert went to bed in good spirits. He was of an active temperament, and enjoyed occupation. It would be pleasant to him also to feel that he was earning his own living. In the morning Mr. Sylvester went down town with him. The Somerset House was a hotel of moderate size, only five stories in height, which is low for a city hotel. I may as well say here that I have not given the correct name of the hotel for obvious reasons. So far as our story is concerned, the name I have chosen will do as well as any other. "Those who frequent this hotel are not of the fashionable class," explained Mr. Sylvester, "but it is largely patronized by traveling salesmen and people from the country. The rates are moderate, and those come here who would not feel able to afford the Fifth Avenue or hotels of that grade." The entrance was neat, and Rupert was well pleased with the aspect of his new place of employment. At some distance from the doorway was the office, and behind the reading room. "Mr. Malcolm," said Sylvester to a pleasant-looking man of thirty-five, who stood behind a counter, "this is the young man I mentioned to you. He will be glad to fill the position of bell-boy, and from my acquaintance with him I feel quite sure he will suit you. His name is Rupert Rollins." The clerk smiled pleasantly. "We shall soon know each other better," he said. "I hope you are strong, for you will have a good deal of exercise here." "I think I can stand it," said Rupert. "I shall soon get used to it."