"Do you know why I have told you this?" asked Mr. Preston,
noticing the eagerness with which Paul had listened.
"I don't know, sir; but I have been very much interested."
"It is because I like to give encouragement to boys and young men
who are now situated as I used to be. I think you are a smart
boy."
"Thank you, sir."
"And, though you are poor, you can lift yourself to prosperity,
if you are willing to work hard enough and long enough."
"I am not afraid of work," said Paul, promptly.
"No, I do not believe you are. I can tell by a boy's face, and
you have the appearance of one who is willing to work hard. How
long have you been a street peddler?"
"About a year, sir. Before that time my father was living, and I
was kept at school."
"You will find the street a school, though of a different kind,
in which you can learn valuable lessons. If you can get time in
the evening, however, it will be best to keep up your school
studies."
"I am doing that now, sir."
"That is well. And now, about the shirts. Did your mother say
how long it would take her to make them?"
"About three weeks, I think, sir. Will that be soon enough?"
"That will do. Perhaps it will be well, however, to bring half
the number whenever they are finished.
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