“I’ll take the will for the deed,” replied the old doctor, with a twinkle in his eyes. “Perhaps the bookseller will trust me, or hold the book for me.” The proprietor of the store, who had been in the rear, and had not noticed the commotion in front of his place, now came out as he saw a possible customer. He at once recognized Dr. Spidderkins, who was a well-known character in the book stores of the entire city. The man at once agreed to let the physician take the book home, and pay for it when he liked. He even loaned him some money for car fare, since the first five cents he had paid a conductor, on leaving home, had been all the cash available. Now that everything was satisfactorily adjusted Tom hurried off with the books. He delivered them safely, received his money, and arranged to call the following day, to see if there were any errands he might do. As he was starting toward home, for it was so late that he did not believe it worth while to look any farther for work that day, he was hailed by Charley Grove. “Hello, Tom,” called his chum. “I thought you were comin’ over and see a fellow.” “I meant to, some evening, Charley, but I had to work late around Christmas time, and since then I’ve been looking for a place, and I haven’t had much time.” “What’s the matter; did you get discharged?” “Not exactly, but there was no more work for me after the holidays.” “I see,” declared Charley shortly. “Why don’t you learn to be a telephone boy?” “Wish I might; but where could I? Every place I go they want experienced help, but how’s a fellow ever to get any experience if he never has a chance to learn?” “That’s so. Maybe I could teach you something about it. Our office closes early, and there’d be plenty of chances to learn.” “I wish you would.” “I’ll speak to the boss about it to-morrow, and let you know. I stand in pretty good with him.” The next evening Charley left word at Tom’s house (for our hero was absent, delivering some books for the second-hand dealer) that the broker had consented to allow Tom to learn how to operate a small private exchange switchboard. When Tom got home, later that evening, he went over to Charley’s house, and they completed the arrangements. The following afternoon Tom presented himself at the broker’s office. Business was over for the day, and save for two bookkeepers and Charley, the place was deserted. Thereupon, Charley initiated Tom into the mysteries of the plugs, the weighted cords, the switches, cams and the push buttons that constitute a private exchange. “Do you think it will take me long to learn it?” asked Tom, as he made imaginary connections. “No. A week or so, and then you can get a good job. I learned in a week. Wait now, and we’ll practice. I’ll make believe I’m the boss.” CHAPTER X GETTING A PLACE Charley went into one of the inner offices, where there was a telephone connected with the switchboard.