Lord, patronizingly, as he
looked Toby over in a business way, very much as if he contemplated
purchasing him.
"Like it!" echoed Toby. "Why, I'd grow fat on it!"
"I don't know as that would be any advantage," continued Mr. Lord,
reflectively, "for it strikes me that you're about as fat now as
a boy of your age ought to be. But I've a great mind to give you
a chance."
"What!" cried Toby, in amazement, and his eyes opened to their
widest extent as this possible opportunity of leading a delightful
life presented itself.
"Yes, I've a great mind to give you the chance. You see," and now
it was Mr. Lord's turn to grow confidential, "I've had a boy with
me this season, but he cleared out at the last town, and I'm running
the business alone now."
Toby's face expressed all the contempt he felt for the boy who
would run away from such a glorious life as Mr. Lord's assistant
must lead; but he said not a word, waiting in breathless expectation
for the offer which he now felt certain would be made him.
"Now I ain't hard on a boy," continued Mr. Lord, still confidentially,
"and yet that one seemed to think that he was treated worse and
made to work harder than any boy in the world."
"He ought to live with Uncle Dan'l a week," said Toby, eagerly.
"Here I was just like a father to him," said Mr. Lord, paying no
attention to the interruption, "and I gave him his board and lodging,
and a dollar a week besides.
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