He spoke about his own business until Henry Davis nudged him in the side.
“I wouldn't tell that boy too much,” he said in a low tone.
“Oh, he's all right,” answered the old farmer.
Joe heard the slick-looking individual's words and they made his face burn. He looked at the man narrowly and made up his mind he was not a fellow to be desired for an acquaintance.
Having finished, our hero paid his bill and left the restaurant. He scarcely knew which way to turn, but resolved to look over the newspapers first and see if any positions were offered.
While in the reading room he saw Josiah Bean and his acquaintance leave the hotel and walk in the direction of Broad street.
A little later Joe took from the paper he was reading the addresses of several people who wanted help, and then he, too, left the hotel.
The first place he called at was a florist's establishment, but the pay was so small he declined the position.
“I could not live on three dollars per week,” he said.
“That is all we care to pay,” answered the proprietor, coldly. “It is more than other establishments pay.”
“Then I pity those who work at the other places,” returned Joe, and walked out.
In the meantime Josiah Bean and the slick-looking individual turned into Broad street and made their way to a certain establishment known as the Eagle's Club.
Here Henry Davis called another man aside.
“Say, Foxy, do you know anybody down to Barwell & Cameron's?” he asked, in a low tone, so that the old farmer could not hear.
“Never mind--there's a tenner in it for you if it works.”
“All right, Hank,” returned Foxy, carelessly.
He came forward and was introduced to the old farmer in the following fashion:
“Mr. Richard Barlow--of Barlow & Small, manufacturers.”
All three made their way to the establishment of Barwell & Cameron, and then Henry Davis was introduced under that name to a clerk.
As soon as Foxy had departed the slick-looking individual turned to the clerk and called the old farmer forward.
“This is my esteemed friend, Mr. Josiah Bean, of Haydown Center. He has business with Mr. Cameron, I believe.”
“I'm here to collect six hundred dollars,” said Josiah Bean. “Mr. Cameron writ me some letters about it.”
“Very well, sir. Sit down, gentlemen, and I'll tell Mr. Cameron.”