"Fair and softly," said the printer with something of a smile.
"Thou art new to cheapening and bargaining, my fair lad. Thou hast
spoken not one word of the wage."

"I recked not of that," said Ambrose. "'Tis true, I may not burthen
mine uncle and aunt, but verily, sir, I would live on the humblest
fare that will keep body and soul together so that I may have such
an opportunity."

"How knowst thou what the opportunity may be?" returned Lucas,
drily. "Thou art but a babe! Some one should have a care of thee.
If I set thee to stand here all day and cry what d'ye lack? or to
carry bales of books twixt this and Warwick Inner Yard, thou wouldst
have no ground to complain."

"Nay, sir," returned Ambrose, "I wot that Tibble Steelman would
never send me to one who would not truly give me what I need."

"Tibble Steelman is verily one of the few who are both called and
chosen," replied Lucas, "and I think thou art the same so far as
green youth may be judged, since thou art one who will follow the
word into the desert, and never ask for the loaves and fishes.
Nevertheless, I will take none advantage of thy youth and zeal, but
thou shalt first behold what thou shalt have to do for me, and then
if it still likes thee, I will see thy kindred. Hast no father?"

Ambrose explained, and at that moment Master Hansen's boy made his
appearance, returning from an errand; the stall was left in his
charge, while the master took Ambrose with him into the precincts of