s rather supercilious.

"Oh, you've come to work, have you?"

"Yes, I have," said Dick, independently.

"I don't think we shall need your valuable services," said the
book-keeper, with something of a sneer. The truth was, that Mr. Rockwell
had neglected to mention that he had engaged Dick.

Dick, though a little inclined to be bashful when he entered, had quite
got over that feeling now. He didn't intend to be intimidated or driven
away by the man before him. There was only one doubt in his mind. This
might be Mr. Cooper, the second member of the firm, although he did not
think it at all probable. So he ventured this question, "Is Mr. Rockwell
or Mr. Cooper in?"

"They're never here at this hour."

"So I supposed," said Dick, coolly.

He sat down in an arm-chair, and took up the morning paper.

The book-keeper was decidedly provoked by his coolness. He felt that he
had not impressed Dick with his dignity or authority, and this made him
angry.

"Bring that paper to me, young man," he said; "I want to consult it."

"Very good," said Dick; "you can come and get it."

"I can't compliment you on your good manners," said the other.

"Good manners don't seem to be fashionable here," said Dick, composedly.

Apparently the book-keeper did not want the paper very particularly, as
he did not take the trouble to get up for it. Dick therefore resumed his
reading, and the other dug his pen spitefully into the paper, wishing,
but not quite daring, to order Dick out of the counting-room, as it
might be possible that he had come by appointment.

"Did you come to see Mr. Rockwell?" he asked, at length, looking up from
his writing.

"Yes," said Dick.

"Did he tell you to come?"

"Yes."

"What was that you said about coming to work?"

"I said I had come here to work."

"Who engaged you?"

"Mr. Rockwell."

"Oh, indeed! And how much are you to receive for your valuable
services?"

"You are very polite to call my services valuable," said Dick. "I hope
they will be."

"You haven't answered my question."

"I have no objection, I'm sure. I'm to get ten dollars a week."

"Ten dollars a week!" echoed the book-keeper, with a scornful laugh. "Do
you expect you will earn that?"

"No, I don't," said Dick, frankly.

"You don't!" returned the other, doubtfully. "Well, you're more modest
than I thought for. Then why are you to get so much?"

"Perhaps Mr. Rockwell will tell you," said Dick, "if you tell him you're
v