Part 20 (1/2)

”It is fortunate for my son that he found you to take his place,”

said Mrs. Barry. ”He could not afford to lose all the income from his business.”

”It is a good thing for both of us,” said Paul. ”I was looking for a job just when he fell sick.”

”What had you been doing before?”

”I was in the prize-package business, but that got played out, and I was a gentleman at large, seeking for a light, genteel business that wouldn't require much capital.”

”I shall be able to take my place pretty soon now,” said the young man.

”I might go to-morrow, but mother thinks it imprudent.”

”Better get back your strength first, George,” said his mother, ”or you may fall sick again.”

But her son was impatient of confinement and anxious to get to work again. So, two days afterward, about the middle of the forenoon, Paul was surprised by seeing George Barry get out of a Broadway omnibus, just in front of the stand.

”Can I sell you a necktie, Mr. Barry?” he asked, in a joke.

”I almost feel like a stranger,” said Barry, ”it's so long since I have been here.”

”Do you feel strong enough to take charge now?” asked Paul.

”I am not so strong as I was, and the walk from our rooms would tire me; but I think if I rode both ways for the present I shall be able to get along.”

”Then you won't need me any longer?”

”I would like to have you stay with me to-day. I don't know how I shall hold out.”

”All right! I'll stop.”

George Barry remained in attendance the rest of the day. He found that his strength had so far returned that he should be able to manage alone hereafter, and he told Paul so.

”I am glad you are well again, George,” said Paul. ”It must have been dull work staying at home sick.”

”Yes, it was dull; but I felt more comfortable from knowing that you were taking my place. If I get sick again I will send for you.”

”I hope you won't get sick; but if you do, I will do what I can to help you.”

So the two parted on the best of terms. Each had been of service to the other, and neither had cause to complain.

”Well,” said Paul to himself, ”I am out of work again. What shall I go at next?”

It was six o'clock, and there was nothing to be done till the morrow. He went slowly homeward, revolving this subject in his mind. He knew that he need not remain idle. He could black boots, or sell newspapers, if nothing better offered, and he thought it quite possible that he might adopt the latter business, for a few days at least. He had not forgotten Mr. Preston's injunction to let him know when he got out of business; but, as the second half dozen s.h.i.+rts would be ready in three or four days, he preferred to wait till then, and not make a special call on Mr Preston. He had considerable independence of feeling, and didn't like to put himself in the position of one asking a favor, though he had no objection to accept one voluntarily offered.

”Well, mother,” he said, entering his humble home, ”I am out of business.”

”Has George recovered, then?”

”Yes, he was at the stand to-day, but wanted me to stay with him till this evening.”