Rodney seated himself on a chair near the door. In about ten minutes Mr.
Goodnow turned around.

"Who is it?" he asked.

"Perhaps you remember telling me to call at half past nine. You saw me
at the Newsboys' Lodging House."

"Ah, yes, I remember. I promised my friend Mulgrave that I would give
you a place. What can you do? Are you a good writer?"

"Shall I give you a specimen of my handwriting?"

"Yes; sit down at that desk."

It was a desk adjoining his own.

Rodney seated himself and wrote in a firm, clear, neat hand:

"I will endeavor to give satisfaction, if you are kind enough to give me
a place in your establishment."

Then he passed over the paper to the merchant.

"Ah, very good!" said Mr. Goodnow approvingly. "You won't be expected
to do any writing yet but I like to take into my store those who are
qualified for promotion."

He rang a little bell on his desk.