The young man, some ten minutes later, succeeded in catching a
smaller pickerel, perhaps half the size of Herbert's.

"That will do for me," he said, "though it doesn't come up to your
catch."

For two hours Herbert and his friend alternately used the pole, and
the result was quite a handsome lot of fish.

"You have more fish than you want," said the young man. "You had
better bring what you don't want to the hotel. I heard the landlord
say he would like to buy some."

"That would suit me," said Herbert. "If he wants fish, I want
money."

"Come along with me, then. Really, I don't know when I have passed a
forenoon so pleasantly. Usually I get tired of my own company, and
the day seems long to me. I believe I see my way clear to a better
way of spending my time. You say you want a place. How would you
like me for an employer?"

"I am sure I should like you, but you are not in any business."

"No," said the young man, smiling; "or, rather, my business is the
pursuit of health and pleasure just now. In that I think you can
help me."

"I shall be very glad to, if I can, Mr.---"