Hampton about your advertisement."

"For a boy at ten dollars a week?" suggested the dark man, with a
pleasant smile.

"Yes, sir."

"We agreed to take you, did we not?" asked Mr. Fitch.

"Yes, sir."

"Have you had any business experience?" inquired Pitch.

"No, sir."

"I am sorry for that," said Mr. Fitch gravely. "Experience is
important. I am not sure whether we ought to pay you ten dollars a
week."

Ben did not reply. He was not so much concerned about the amount of
his compensation as about the reliable character of Fitch &
Ferguson.

"Still," mused Mr. Fitch, "you look like a boy who would learn fast.
What do you think about it yourself?"

"I think I could," answered Ben. "I should try to serve you
faithfully."

"That is well. We want to be served faithfully," said Mr. Fitch.