“No, but he might as well. He was my clerk. I engaged him two months since, and only to-day I found out that he has been robbing me systematically. He has taken hundreds of dollars probably. If I could only get hold of him, I would give him a lesson he would never forget.” Here was Tom’s chance, and he lost no time in pushing it. “Then you have no clerk now?” he said. “No, and I don’t know where to get one that I can trust.” “Take me,” said Tom confidently. “You!” repeated the merchant in surprise. “Yes; I am looking for a place, and I will serve you faithfully.” “How old are you?” “Sixteen.” “You are only a boy.” “I know that, but why can’t a boy sell goods as well as a man. It doesn’t take size or strength, does it?” “You’re right there,” said the trader, “but it takes knowledge of the goods. Do you know anything of the business?” “No, but I’ll soon learn.” “Then I shall have the trouble of breaking in a green hand.” “It’ll be very little trouble,” said Tom confidently. “All you’ve got to do is to tell me the price of the goods, and I’ll remember.” “How do I know but you’d follow the example of the scamp that’s just left me, and purloin my money? Have you any recommendations?” “No,” said Tom; “I forgot all about bringing any.” “Don’t you know anybody in the town?” “Yes; I know an Irishman—Mike Lawton—cook in an Irish hotel.” “I don’t think he’ll do.” “Then,” said Tom smiling, “I shall have to write a recommendation for myself. There’s nobody knows so much about my honesty and capacity as I do.” Tom’s frankness had won upon the trader, and he was inclined to overlook the want of recommendations. “Suppose I conclude to take you on trial,” he said, “what wages do you expect?” Tom felt that in his circumstances he could not afford to bargain. It was all-important that he should get the place, for his experience taught him that they were not to be had easily. “Take me a week on trial,” he said; “give me my board and as much more as you think I am worth.” “That’s fair. When do you want to come?” “I can come now—or rather in an hour. I shall want to go to the hotel where I am stopping and get my carpet-bag.” “Very well. I will engage you for a week on trial. When you return with your carpet-bag, my wife will give you a room.” “Thank you, sir. I’ll be right back.”