“This is certainly hard luck,” he thought, as he found himself at the end of the main street. “I did think there would be at least one opening.”
He had brought a lunch with him, and now walked down to the edge of the small river which ran through Porthaven.
At a beautiful spot bordering the river somebody had placed a bench, and here he sat down to enjoy the sandwiches and piece of pie his mother had thoughtfully provided for him.
Frank’s appetite, like that of most growing boys, was good, and it did not take him long to dispose of his meal.
“Wish I had another sandwich,” he thought, after it was gone. “Tramping around gives one a very hungry feeling, especially if he doesn’t get any work.”
Not knowing what to do next, Frank remained where he was, and presently a young man, carrying a small, square hand-bag of black leather, came strolling towards him.
“Can you tell me how much further it is to Porthaven?” the young man asked, as he came to a halt, and rested his bag on the end of the bench.
“You are on the outskirts of the town, now,” was our hero’s reply.
“Good! I was afraid I had still a mile or so to go. I missed the stage from River Bend, and I did not want to waste the time, so I walked over. It’s pretty hot, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” And now Frank made room so the stranger could sit down, which he did.
“Then perhaps you won’t mind telling me where some of these folks live,” and the young man brought out a notebook from his pocket.
“No, sir; I come from Claster. I’m looking for work.”
“Oh!” The young man gazed at Frank curiously. “Hard job, isn’t it?”
“I can sympathize with you. I was out looking for work, myself, last summer, and I couldn’t get a single thing that was worth anything.”
“Well, yes; but I haven’t got anything steady. I’m a book agent, and I get paid for what orders I get, that’s all.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------
“SO you are a book agent?” said Frank, and now looked at the young man with increased interest. “May I ask what books you sell?”
“I am taking orders for three works—a new and beautifully illustrated set of Cooper’s works, an Illustrated History of the United States, and a new cook-book. Here are some samples,” and the young man brought them forth from his bag.