University of Virginia Library

10. CHAPTER X.
THE NEW BOARDER.

Harry found himself in a room about twenty-five feet by twenty. There were three persons present. One, a man of middle age, was Mr. James Leavitt, the proprietor of the shop. His son Robert, about seventeen, worked at an adjoining bench. Tom Gavitt, a journeyman, a short, thick-set man of thirty, employed by Mr. Leavitt, was the third.

The three looked up as Harry entered the shop.

"I have a letter for Mr. Leavitt,'' said our hero.

"That's my name,'' said the eldest of the party.

Harry advanced and placed it in his hands.

"Where did you get this letter?''

"At the post office.''

"I can't call you by name. Do you live about here?''

"No, I came from Granton.''

"It's from your Uncle Benjamin,'' he said, addressing Robert. "Let us see what he has to say.''

"He says he shall be ready to take you the first of September. That's in six weeks—a little sooner than we calculated. I wish it were a little later, as work is brisk, and I may find it difficult to fill your place without paying more than I want to.''

"Won't you hire me?'' asked Harry, who felt that the time had come for him to announce his business.

Mr. Leavitt looked at him more attentively.

"Have you ever worked in a shop?''

"No, sir.''

"It will take you some time to learn pegging.''

"I'll work for my board till I've learned.''

"But you won't be able to do all I want at first.''

"Suppose I begin now,'' said Harry, "and work for my board till your son goes away. By that time I can do considerable.''

''Better take him, father,'' said Robert, who felt that it would facilitate his own plans.

"How much would you want after you have learned?'' asked the father.

"I don't know; what would be a fair price?'' said Harry.

"I'll give you three dollars a week and board,'' said

Mr. Leavitt, after a little consideration—"that is, if I am satisfied with you.''

"I'll come,'' said Harry, promptly. He rapidly calculated that there would be about twenty weeks for which he would receive pay before the six months expired. This would give him sixty dollars, of which he thought he should be able to save forty to send or carry to his father.

"How did you happen to come to me?'' asked Mr. Leavitt, with some curiosity.

"I heard at the post office that your son was going to the city to work, and I thought I could get in here.''

"Well, we will try you at shoemaking. Robert, you can teach him what you know about pegging.''

"Come here,'' said Robert. "What is your name?''

"Harry Walton.''

"How old are you?''

"Fifteen.''

"Did you ever work much?''

"Yes, on a farm.''

"Do you think you'll like shoemaking better?''

"I don't know yet, but I think I shall. I like almost anything better than farming.''

"Robert,'' said his father, "go in and tell mother to put an extra seat at the table. She doesn't know that we've got a new boarder.''

Robert went in and informed his mother of the new boarder. It made no difference, for the table was always well supplied.

"This is Harry Walton, mother,'' said Mr. Leavitt, "our new apprentice. He will take Bob's place when he goes.''

"I am glad to see you,'' said Mrs. Leavitt, hospitably. "You may sit here, next to Robert.''

Accustomed to the painful frugality of the table at home, he regarded this as a splendid dinner, and did full justice to it.

In the afternoon he resumed work in the shop under Robert's guidance. He was in excellent spirits. He felt that he was very fortunate to have gained a place so soon, and determined to write home that same evening.