“There are fewer things for me to do,” said his mother, “but perhaps you can think of something. I shall go out this afternoon, and try my luck once more. If I do not succeed, I will consult with you this evening.”
“Suppose I tell you that I have work for you, enough to last for two or three weeks, that will pay five times as well as the work you have been doing; what would you say to that?” asked Paul, smiling.
“Are you in earnest, Paul?” asked his mother, very much surprised.
“Quite in earnest, mother. There's a gentleman up-town that wants a dozen shirts made, and is willing to pay ten shillings apiece.”
“Ten shillings! Why, that's a dollar and a quarter.”
“Of course it is. I told him I thought you would accommodate him.”
“Certainly. I am to go up to his house this evening and get the pattern and an order for the materials.”
“It seems too good to be true,” said his mother. “Why, I can earn at least a dollar a day.”
“Then you will be doing as well as I am.”
“Tell me how you heard of it, Paul,” said Mrs. Hoffman.
Paul told the story of the manner in which he formed Mr. Preston's acquaintance.
“It's lucky you ran into him, Paul,” said Jimmy.
“He didn't think so at the time,” said Paul, laughing. “He said I nearly knocked the breath out of him.”
“You won't go out this afternoon, mother, will you?” asked Jimmy.
“No, it will not be necessary now; I didn't think this morning that such a piece of good luck was in store for, me.”
After supper Paul brushed his clothes carefully and prepared to go to the address given him by Mr. Preston. He decided to walk one way, not wishing to incur the expenses of two railroad fares.
The distance was considerable, and it was nearly eight o'clock when he arrived at his destination.
Paul found himself standing before a handsome house of brown stone. He ascended the steps, and inquired, on the door being opened, if Mr. Preston was at home.
She returned in a short time, and said: “He says you may come upstairs.”
Paul followed the servant, who pointed out a door at the head of the first staircase.
Paul knocked, and, hearing “Come in” from within, he opened the door and entered.
He found himself in a spacious chamber, handsomely furnished. Mr. Preston, in dressing-gown and slippers, sat before a cheerful, open fire.