"Alger Jr, Horatio - The Young Explorer" - читать интересную книгу автора (Alger Horatio Jr)

cautioned by Tom Cooper. As it was, he could not help feeling suspicious.
"I should like to propose something to you, sir," he said.
"What is it?" asked Fitch impatiently.
"Suppose you keep five dollars a week out of my wages for ten weeks-that'll make
fifty dollars-and only pay it to me when I leave you."
"Young man," said Mr. Fitch sternly, "this is trifling, and my time is too
valuable for such discussion. Have you, or have you not, brought fifty dollars
with you?"
"I have."
"Then you can secure the place-a place such as few New York boys are fortunate
enough to fill. You must decide for yourself."
He threw himself back in his chair and looked at Ben.
"He seems very anxious about the money," thought our hero, "and I don't see any
signs of any business. I'd better back out."
"There are plenty of boys who want the place," continued Fitch, trying to look
indifferent.
"I guess you can give it to one of them," said Ben coolly.
Mr. Fitch could not conceal his disappointment. The fifty dollars had a great
attraction for him. He saw that Ben was in earnest, for he was already opening
the door to go out. He must make an effort to detain him.
"Wait a moment, my young friend. I like your appearance, and we may be disposed
to take you on a little easier terms. Fifty dollars is probably a large sum to
you."
Ben admitted that it was.
"Probably your means are limited?"
"Yes, sir; I am a poor boy."
"Just so. I will then relax our rules a little in your case. Of course, you
won't mention it to our other boys, as it might create dissatisfaction."
"No, sir."
"We will take you on a deposit of forty dollars, then."
Ben shook his head, and moved as if to depart.
"In fact," said Mr. Fitch hastily, "I believe I will say thirty dollars, Though
I am afraid my partner will blame me."
Ben was not versed in city ways, but now he distrusted Mr. Fitch more than ever.

"I would rather take a situation where no deposit is required," he said.
"But you can't get any unless you agree to accept three or four dollars a week."

"Can you afford to pay me ten dollars a week on account of my deposit?" asked
Ben shrewdly.
Mr. Fitch flushed, for Ben's question was a home thrust.
"We don't want cheap boys," he said pompously. "We want boys who are worth high
wages, and no others."
"And you think I am worth high wages?" asked Ben.
"I think so, but I may be mistaken."
Ben was not required to answer, for the door opened hastily, and a man entered
in visible excitement.
"What is your business, sir?" asked Mr. Fitch, rather nervously.
"Are you Fitch or Ferguson?" demanded the intruder.
"I am Mr. Fitch."