credentials in
his pocket.

CHAPTER X.

Phil CALLS ON MR. PITKIN.

PHIL paused before an imposing business structure, and looked up to
see if he could see the sign that would show him he had reached his
destination.

He had not far to look. On the front of the building he saw in large
letters the sign:

ENOCH PITKIN & CO.

In the door-way there was another sign, from which he learned that the
firm occupied the second floor.

He went up-stairs, and opening a door, entered a spacious apartment
which looked like a hive of industry. There were numerous clerks,
counters piled with goods, and every indication that a prosperous
business was being carried on.

The nearest person was a young man of eighteen, or perhaps more, with
an incipient, straw-colored mustache, and a shock of hair of tow-color.
This young man wore a variegated neck-tie, a stiff standing-collar, and
a suit of clothes in the extreme of fashion.

Phil looked at him hesitatingly.

The young man observed the look, and asked condescendingly:

"What can I do for you, my son?"

Such an address from a person less than three years older than himself
came near upsetting the gravity of Phil.

"Is Mr. Pitkin in?" he asked.

"Yes, I believe so."

"Can I see him."

"I have no objection," remarked the young man facetiously.

"Where shall I find him?"

The youth indicated a small room partitioned off as a private office in
the extreme end of the store.

"Thank you," said Phil, and proceeded to find his way to the office in
question.

Arrived at the door, which was partly open, he looked in.

In an arm-chair sat a small man, with an erect figure and an air of
consequence. He was not over forty-five, but looked older, for his
cheeks were already seamed and his look was querulous. Cheerful natures
do not so soon show signs of age as their opposites.

"Mr. Pitkin?" said Phil interrogatively.

"Well?" said the small man, frowning instinctively.

"I have a note for you, sir."

Phil stepped forward and handed the missive to Mr. Pitkin.

The latter opened it quickly and read as follows:

The boy who will present this to you did me a service this morning. He
is in want of employment. He seems well educated, but if you can't offer
him anything better than the post of errand boy, do so. I will guarantee
that he will give satisfaction. You can send him to the post-office, and
to other offices on such errands as you may have. Pay him five d