"
"It'll only be part loss, mother," he said. "I've got Paul
Hoffman to take my place for half the profits."
"Paul Hoffman! Do I know him?"
"I don't think he has ever been here but I have known him for a
year."
"Can you trust him?"
"Yes, I'm not at all afraid. He is a smart boy, and as honest as
he is smart. I think he will sell nearly as much as I would."
"That is an excellent arrangement. You needn't feel uneasy,
then."
"No, the business will go on right."
"I should like to see your salesman."
"You'll see him to-night, mother. He's coming round this evening
to let me know how he's got along, and hand over the money he's
taken."
"You'd better be quiet now, George, and go to sleep, if you can.
I'll make you some warm tea. I think it'll do you good."
Meanwhile Paul assumed charge of George Barry's business. He was
sorry his friend was sick, but he congratulated himself on
getting into business so soon.
"It's more respectable than selling prize packages," thought
Paul. "I wish I had a stand of my own."
He was still a street merchant, but among street merchants there
are grades as well as among merchants whose claim to higher
respectability rests upon having rent to pay.
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