When breakfast was over, Sam strolled out into the streets. He felt that the sooner he got something to do the better. Certainly in his situation there was no time to lose. He had found out that the leading retail stores were on Washington Street, and it seemed to him a good plan to begin there. The first he selected was a dry-goods store. He entered, and looked about him, inquiringly. A salesman asked him, briskly: "What can I show you to-day?" "If you'll show me a situation where I can make a living, you'll oblige me," answered Sam. "We don't keep such goods for sale," said the salesman, smiling. "Then perhaps you give them away. Can I speak to the boss?" "There he is," said the young man--"at the end of the store." "What is his name?" "Hunter." Sam was not bashful. He went up to Mr. Hunter and called him by name. "Can I speak to you on business?" he asked. "What kind of business?" "I want a place," said Sam, bluntly. "We are not engaging any new clerks at present. Where do you live?" "I have just come from New York." "Did you have any experience there in the dry-goods line?" "No, sir." "Then you know nothing about it." "Oh, yes, sir; I can tell calico from silk." "That's more than I can always do," said Mr. Hunter, jocosely. "I took you for silk, and I find you to be calico." "You've got me there," said Sam. "Then you can't give me anything to do?" "I don't think it would be for my advantage to engage you. Do you think so?" "I think it would be for mine," said Sam. "I guess I will look further." "I am afraid I don't know much about business," thought Sam. "I wish I knew what I am fit for, and I'd go for it." He kept on his way down Washington Street, and entered the next large store, where he repeated his request for a place. Here he was not so well treated. "Clear out, you young loafer!" was the rude response. "Thank you," said Sam, coolly. "You're extremely polite." "I don't waste my politeness on such fellows as you," said the clerk, disagreeably. "I wouldn't," retorted Sam. "You don't seem to have any to spare." "I guess I don't stand much chance there," he considered. "I wouldn't want to be in the same store with that hog, anyway." The next store was devoted to millinery. Just outside was a small piece of paper on which Sam read "Little Girl Wanted." He went in. Those in charge of the store he found to be females. "You've got a notice in the window for help," said Sam. "Yes," was the reply. "Do you want it for your sister?" "I think not," replied Sam. "I haven't any sister, to begin with." "Then what is your business?" "I want a place for myself." "Did you read the notice? It says 'Little Girl Wanted.' Are you a little girl?" "Not that I am aware of," said Sam; "but I can do a little girl's work." "Perhaps you would not be willing to take a little girl's pay." "How much is the pay?" "Two dollars a week."