"I understand," said the chief of the manufacturing division to him, "that you are desirous of coming to the Census Bureau as one of the permanent force, not just for the decennial period only?"
"Yes, Mr. Clan," was the boy's reply, "that is, if the Bureau is willing."
"That will depend entirely on the work you do. I didn't see your papers personally, but I understand you received a high rating, and that you have had a good deal to do with figures.--That is, for a youngster," he added, noting the youthfulness of the lad standing before him.
"What made you think of taking this work up?" was the next question.
The divisional chief leaned back in his chair, put his fingers together in characteristic attitude, and smiled.
"Eh," he said, "you are sure you will like the work?"
"Quite, sir," said Hamilton in his decided way. "I looked it all over, and I know."
"You will be less sure of the future when you are older," the Scotchman said, "but if you 'know,' there's nothing more to be said. I'm going to put you under the care of Mr. Burns, and he will instruct you further in the work."
"New Haven, Connecticut--a good town, and one that will give you plenty of work. You'd better start for there to-night. I hope you will like it as much as you expect."
"Thank you, sir," Hamilton replied, seeing that his superior deemed the interview at an end. "I'll do the very best I can."
On arriving in New Haven the following day, Hamilton made his way to the local Census Office opened by his new leader. He found Mr. Burns to be a typical statistician, to whom figures had a meaning beyond themselves, but to whom little was of value unless it could be expressed in figures. Hamilton introduced himself briefly.
"You're Noble," the other said abruptly. "When will you be ready to begin?"
"Any time," answered Hamilton. "Right after lunch, sir, if you want me to make a start."
"There's a portfolio," the census agent answered, "take it along and you can begin just as soon as you're ready."
"What instructions have you to give me, sir?" asked Hamilton.
"I save eleven and a half per cent of the time given to instructions by writing them. You'll find a copy in there," he said, pointing to the portfolio.
"Very well, sir," the boy replied, "I'll go ahead, and if I find anything I don't understand, shall I come and ask you?"