章节正文
Frank looked at his shoes. They were dirty,
without doubt, but he would not have felt disposed to be
so extravagant, considering his limited resources,
had he not felt it necessary to obtain some information
about the city.
``Yes,'' he said, ``you may black them.''
The boy was on his knees instantly and at work.
``How much do you make in a day?'' asked Frank.
``When it's a good day I make a dollar.''
``That's pretty good,'' said Frank.
``Can you show me the way to Broadway?''
``Go straight ahead.''
Our hero paid for his shine and started in the
direction indicated.
Frank's plans, so far as he had any, were to get
into a store. He knew that Broadway was the principal
business street in the city, and this was about
all he did know about it.
He reached the great thoroughfare in a few
minutes, and was fortunate enough to find on the window
of the corner store the sign:
``A Boy Wanted.''
He entered at once, and going up to the counter,
addressed a young man, who was putting up goods.
``Do you want a boy?''
``I believe the boss wants one; I don't. Go out to
that desk.''
Frank found the desk, and propounded the same
question to a sandy-whiskered man, who looked up
from his writing.
``You're prompt,'' he said. ``That notice was only
put out two minutes ago.''
``I only saw it one minute ago.''
``So you want the place, do you?''
``I should like it.''
``Do you know your way about the city?''
``No, sir, but I could soon find out.''
``That won't do. I shall have plenty of
applications from boys who live in the city and are familiar
with the streets.''
Frank left the store rather discomfited.
He soon came to another store where there was a
similar notice of ``A Boy Wanted.'' It was a dry
goods store.
``Do you live with your parents?'' was asked.
``My parents are dead,'' said Frank, sadly.
``Very sorry, but we can't take you.''
``Why not, sir?''
``In case you took anything we should make your
parents responsible.''
``I shouldn't take anything,'' said Frank, indignantly.
``You might; I can't take you.''
Our hero left this store a little disheartened by his
second rebuff.
He made several more fruitless applications, but
did not lose courage wholly. He was gaining an appetite,
however. It is not surprisingtherefore, that
his attention was drawn to the bills of a restaurant
on the opposite side of the street. He crossed over,
and standing outside, began to examine them to see
what was the scale of prices. While in this position
he was suddenly aroused by a slap on the back.
Turning he met the gaze of a young man of about
thirty, who was smiling quite cordially.
``Why, Frank, my boy, how are you?'' he said,
offering his hand.
``Pretty well, thank you,'' said our hero bewildered,
for he had no recollection of the man who had called
him by name.
The other smiled a little more broadly, and
thought:
``It was a lucky guess; his name is Frank.''
``I am delighted to hear it,'' he continued. ``When
did you reach the city?''
``This morning,'' said the unsuspecting Frank.
``Well, it's queer I happened to meet you so soon,
isn't it? Going to stay long?''
``I shall, if I can get a place.''
``Perhaps I can help you.''
``I suppose I ought to remember you,'' ventured
our hero, ``but I can't think of your name.''
``Jasper Wheelock. You don't mean to say you
don't remember me? Perhaps it isn't strange, as
we only met once or twice in your country home.
But that doesn't matter. I'm just as ready to help
you. By the way, have you dined?''
``No.''
``No more have I. Come in and dine with me.''
``What'll you take?'' asked Jasper Wheelock,
passing the bill of fare to Frank.
``I think I should like to have some roast beef,''
said Frank.
``That will suit me. Here, waiter, two plates of
roast beef, and two cups of coffee.''
``How are they all at home?'' asked Jasper.
``My mother has just died.''
``You don't say so,'' said Jasper, sympathetically.
``My sister is well.''
``I forgot your sister's name.''
``Grace.''
``Of course--Grace. I find it hard to remember
names. The fact is, I have been trying to recall your
last name, but it's gone from me.''
``Fowler.''
``To be sure Frank Fowler. How could I be so
forgetful.''
The conversation was interrupted by the arrival
of the coffee and roast beet, which both he and his
new friend attacked with vigor.
``What kind of pudding will you have?'' asked
the stranger.
``Apple dumpling,'' said Frank.
``That suits me. Apple dumpling for two.''
In due time the apple dumpling was disposed of,
and two checks were brought, amounting to seventy
cents.
``I'll pay for both,'' said Jasper. ``No thanks. We
are old acquaintances, you know.''
He put his hand into his pocket, and quickly
withdrew it with an exclamation of surprise:
``Well, if that isn't a good joke,'' he said. ``I've
left my money at home. I remember now, I left it
in the pocket of my other coat. I shall have to
borrow the money of you. You may as well hand me a
dollar!''
Frank was not disposed to be suspicious, but the
request for money made him uneasy. Still there
seemed no way of refusing, and he reluctantly drew
out the money.
His companion settled the bill and then led the
way into the street.
Jasper Wheelock was not very scrupulous; he was
quite capable of borrowing money, without intending
to return it; but he had his good side.
``Frank,'' said he, as they found themselves in the
street, ``you have done me a favor, and I am going
to help you in return. Have you got very much
money?''
``No. I had twenty dollars when I left home, but
I had to pay my fare in the cars and the dinner, I
have seventeen dollars and a half left.''
``Then it is necessary for you to get a place as
soon as possible.''
``Yes; I have a sister to support; Grace, you know.''
``No, I don't know. The fact is, Frank, I have
been imposing upon you. I never saw you before in
the whole course of my life.''
``What made you say you knew me?''
``I wanted to get a dinner out of you. Don't be
troubled, though; I'll pay back the money. I've been
out of a place for three or four weeks, but I enter
upon one the first of next week. For the rest of the
week I've got nothing to do, and I will try to get you
a place.
``The first thing is to get a room somewhere. I'll
tell you what, you may have part of my room.''
``Is it expensive?''
``No; I pay a dollar and a half a week. I think
the old lady won't charge more than fifty cents extra
for you.''
``Then my share would be a dollar.''
``You may pay only fifty cents. I'll keep on paying
what I do now. My room is on Sixth Avenue.''
They had some distance to walk. Finally Jasper
halted before a baker's shop.
``It's over this,'' he said.
He drew out a latch-key and entered.
``This is my den,'' he said. It isn't large you
can't get any better for the money.''
``I shall have to be satisfied,'' said Frank. ``I want
to get along as cheap as I can.''
``I've got to economize myself for a short time.
After this week I shall earn fifteen dollars a week.''
``What business are you in, Mr. Wheelock?''
``I am a journeyman printer. It is a very good
business, and I generally have steady work. I expect
to have after I get started again. Now, shall I
give you some advice?''
``I wish you would.''
``You don't know your way around New York.
I believe I have a map somewhere. I'll just show
you on it the position of the principal streets, and
that will give you a clearer idea of where we go.''
The map was found and Jasper explained to Frank
the leading topographical features of the Island City.
One thing only was wanting now to make him
contented, and this was employment. But it was too
late to make any further inquiries.
``I've been thinking, Frank,'' said Jasper, the next
morning, ``that you might get the position as a cash-boy.''
``What does a cash-boy do?''
``In large retail establishments every salesman
keeps a book in which his sales are entered. He
does not himself make change, for it would not do
to have so many having access to the money-drawer.
The money is carried to the cashier's desk by boys
employed for the purpose, who return with the
change.''
``Do you think I can get a situation as cash-boy?''
``I will try at Gilbert & Mack's. I know one of
the principal salesmen. If there is a vacancy he
without doubt, but he would not have felt disposed to be
so extravagant, considering his limited resources,
had he not felt it necessary to obtain some information
about the city.
``Yes,'' he said, ``you may black them.''
The boy was on his knees instantly and at work.
``How much do you make in a day?'' asked Frank.
``When it's a good day I make a dollar.''
``That's pretty good,'' said Frank.
``Can you show me the way to Broadway?''
``Go straight ahead.''
Our hero paid for his shine and started in the
direction indicated.
Frank's plans, so far as he had any, were to get
into a store. He knew that Broadway was the principal
business street in the city, and this was about
all he did know about it.
He reached the great thoroughfare in a few
minutes, and was fortunate enough to find on the window
of the corner store the sign:
``A Boy Wanted.''
He entered at once, and going up to the counter,
addressed a young man, who was putting up goods.
``Do you want a boy?''
``I believe the boss wants one; I don't. Go out to
that desk.''
Frank found the desk, and propounded the same
question to a sandy-whiskered man, who looked up
from his writing.
``You're prompt,'' he said. ``That notice was only
put out two minutes ago.''
``I only saw it one minute ago.''
``So you want the place, do you?''
``I should like it.''
``Do you know your way about the city?''
``No, sir, but I could soon find out.''
``That won't do. I shall have plenty of
applications from boys who live in the city and are familiar
with the streets.''
Frank left the store rather discomfited.
He soon came to another store where there was a
similar notice of ``A Boy Wanted.'' It was a dry
goods store.
``Do you live with your parents?'' was asked.
``My parents are dead,'' said Frank, sadly.
``Very sorry, but we can't take you.''
``Why not, sir?''
``In case you took anything we should make your
parents responsible.''
``I shouldn't take anything,'' said Frank, indignantly.
``You might; I can't take you.''
Our hero left this store a little disheartened by his
second rebuff.
He made several more fruitless applications, but
did not lose courage wholly. He was gaining an appetite,
however. It is not surprisingtherefore, that
his attention was drawn to the bills of a restaurant
on the opposite side of the street. He crossed over,
and standing outside, began to examine them to see
what was the scale of prices. While in this position
he was suddenly aroused by a slap on the back.
Turning he met the gaze of a young man of about
thirty, who was smiling quite cordially.
``Why, Frank, my boy, how are you?'' he said,
offering his hand.
``Pretty well, thank you,'' said our hero bewildered,
for he had no recollection of the man who had called
him by name.
The other smiled a little more broadly, and
thought:
``It was a lucky guess; his name is Frank.''
``I am delighted to hear it,'' he continued. ``When
did you reach the city?''
``This morning,'' said the unsuspecting Frank.
``Well, it's queer I happened to meet you so soon,
isn't it? Going to stay long?''
``I shall, if I can get a place.''
``Perhaps I can help you.''
``I suppose I ought to remember you,'' ventured
our hero, ``but I can't think of your name.''
``Jasper Wheelock. You don't mean to say you
don't remember me? Perhaps it isn't strange, as
we only met once or twice in your country home.
But that doesn't matter. I'm just as ready to help
you. By the way, have you dined?''
``No.''
``No more have I. Come in and dine with me.''
``What'll you take?'' asked Jasper Wheelock,
passing the bill of fare to Frank.
``I think I should like to have some roast beef,''
said Frank.
``That will suit me. Here, waiter, two plates of
roast beef, and two cups of coffee.''
``How are they all at home?'' asked Jasper.
``My mother has just died.''
``You don't say so,'' said Jasper, sympathetically.
``My sister is well.''
``I forgot your sister's name.''
``Grace.''
``Of course--Grace. I find it hard to remember
names. The fact is, I have been trying to recall your
last name, but it's gone from me.''
``Fowler.''
``To be sure Frank Fowler. How could I be so
forgetful.''
The conversation was interrupted by the arrival
of the coffee and roast beet, which both he and his
new friend attacked with vigor.
``What kind of pudding will you have?'' asked
the stranger.
``Apple dumpling,'' said Frank.
``That suits me. Apple dumpling for two.''
In due time the apple dumpling was disposed of,
and two checks were brought, amounting to seventy
cents.
``I'll pay for both,'' said Jasper. ``No thanks. We
are old acquaintances, you know.''
He put his hand into his pocket, and quickly
withdrew it with an exclamation of surprise:
``Well, if that isn't a good joke,'' he said. ``I've
left my money at home. I remember now, I left it
in the pocket of my other coat. I shall have to
borrow the money of you. You may as well hand me a
dollar!''
Frank was not disposed to be suspicious, but the
request for money made him uneasy. Still there
seemed no way of refusing, and he reluctantly drew
out the money.
His companion settled the bill and then led the
way into the street.
Jasper Wheelock was not very scrupulous; he was
quite capable of borrowing money, without intending
to return it; but he had his good side.
``Frank,'' said he, as they found themselves in the
street, ``you have done me a favor, and I am going
to help you in return. Have you got very much
money?''
``No. I had twenty dollars when I left home, but
I had to pay my fare in the cars and the dinner, I
have seventeen dollars and a half left.''
``Then it is necessary for you to get a place as
soon as possible.''
``Yes; I have a sister to support; Grace, you know.''
``No, I don't know. The fact is, Frank, I have
been imposing upon you. I never saw you before in
the whole course of my life.''
``What made you say you knew me?''
``I wanted to get a dinner out of you. Don't be
troubled, though; I'll pay back the money. I've been
out of a place for three or four weeks, but I enter
upon one the first of next week. For the rest of the
week I've got nothing to do, and I will try to get you
a place.
``The first thing is to get a room somewhere. I'll
tell you what, you may have part of my room.''
``Is it expensive?''
``No; I pay a dollar and a half a week. I think
the old lady won't charge more than fifty cents extra
for you.''
``Then my share would be a dollar.''
``You may pay only fifty cents. I'll keep on paying
what I do now. My room is on Sixth Avenue.''
They had some distance to walk. Finally Jasper
halted before a baker's shop.
``It's over this,'' he said.
He drew out a latch-key and entered.
``This is my den,'' he said. It isn't large you
can't get any better for the money.''
``I shall have to be satisfied,'' said Frank. ``I want
to get along as cheap as I can.''
``I've got to economize myself for a short time.
After this week I shall earn fifteen dollars a week.''
``What business are you in, Mr. Wheelock?''
``I am a journeyman printer. It is a very good
business, and I generally have steady work. I expect
to have after I get started again. Now, shall I
give you some advice?''
``I wish you would.''
``You don't know your way around New York.
I believe I have a map somewhere. I'll just show
you on it the position of the principal streets, and
that will give you a clearer idea of where we go.''
The map was found and Jasper explained to Frank
the leading topographical features of the Island City.
One thing only was wanting now to make him
contented, and this was employment. But it was too
late to make any further inquiries.
``I've been thinking, Frank,'' said Jasper, the next
morning, ``that you might get the position as a cash-boy.''
``What does a cash-boy do?''
``In large retail establishments every salesman
keeps a book in which his sales are entered. He
does not himself make change, for it would not do
to have so many having access to the money-drawer.
The money is carried to the cashier's desk by boys
employed for the purpose, who return with the
change.''
``Do you think I can get a situation as cash-boy?''
``I will try at Gilbert & Mack's. I know one of
the principal salesmen. If there is a vacancy he
- obtain [əb´tein]
v.获得；买到；得到承认 (初中英语单词) - instantly [´instəntli] ad.立即，立刻 (初中英语单词)
- fortunate [´fɔ:tʃənət] a.幸运的，侥幸的 (初中英语单词)
- wholly [´həul-li] ad.完全，十足；统统 (初中英语单词)
- surprising [sə´praiziŋ] a.惊人的；意外的 (初中英语单词)
- therefore [´ðeəfɔ:] ad.&conj.因此；所以 (初中英语单词)
- standing [´stændiŋ] n.持续 a.直立的 (初中英语单词)
- companion [kəm´pæniən] n.同伴；同事；伴侣 (初中英语单词)
- capable [´keipəbəl] a.有能力；能干的 (初中英语单词)
- charge [tʃɑ:dʒ] v.收费；冲锋 n.费用 (初中英语单词)
- principal [´prinsəpəl] a.主要的 n.负责人 (初中英语单词)
- employment [im´plɔimənt] n.工作；职业；雇用 (初中英语单词)
- extravagant [ik´strævəgənt] a.奢侈的；过度的 (高中英语单词)
- limited [´limitid] a.有限(制)的 (高中英语单词)
- broadway [´brɔ:dwei] n.&a.百老汇大街(的) (高中英语单词)
- recollection [,rekə´lekʃən] n.回忆；追想；记忆力 (高中英语单词)
- pudding [´pudiŋ] n.布丁 (高中英语单词)
- suspicious [sə´spiʃəs] a.可疑的，多疑的 (高中英语单词)
- uneasy [ʌn´i:zi] a.不安的；不自在的 (高中英语单词)
- access [´ækses] n.接近；通路；进入 (高中英语单词)
- vacancy [´veikənsi] n.空缺；空间；空虚 (高中英语单词)
- considering [kən´sidəriŋ] prep.就...而论 (英语四级单词)
- delighted [di´laitid] a.高兴的；喜欢的 (英语四级单词)
- waiter [´weitə] n.侍者，服务员 (英语四级单词)
- trying [´traiiŋ] a.难堪的；费劲的 (英语四级单词)
- exclamation [,eksklə´meiʃən] n.喊(惊)叫；感叹词 (英语四级单词)
- reluctantly [ri´lʌktəntli] a.不情愿地；勉强地 (英语四级单词)
- printer [´printə] n.印刷者；排字工人 (英语四级单词)
- retail [´ri:teil, ri´teil] n.&a.&v.零售(商品的) (英语四级单词)
- thoroughfare [´θʌrəfeə] n.大路；干道；通道 (英语六级单词)
- broadly [´brɔ:dli] ad.广，宽；明白；粗鲁 (英语六级单词)
- imposing [im´pəuziŋ] a.壮丽的，堂皇的 (英语六级单词)
- wanting [´wɔntiŋ, wɑ:n-] a.短缺的；不足的 (英语六级单词)
文章标签:名著
章节正文
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