Chapter XXXI The Train Boy by Jr. Horatio Alger
PAUL AND HIS SUCCESSOR
About eleven o'clock the next forenoon Paul, after making some necessary arrangements, took his way toward Mr. Bradford's counting-room.
As he turned into State street he encountered Julius, who had already entered upon the duties of his office. Naturally, Julius adopted his uncle's theory, that Paul had given dissatisfaction and been discharged, and, as he bore no good will to our hero, he was gratified at the thought.
"Hallo!" he called out, not averse to exulting over his predecessor.
"Good-morning, Julius," said Paul, affably.
"I've got your place," said Julius, not attempting to conceal his satisfaction.
"Yes," answered Paul.
"He doesn't seem to mind it," commented Julius to himself. "I suppose he is too proud to show me how he feels."
"What did the old man bounce you for?" asked Julius, rather curious on the subject.
"You must ask him," said Paul, still pleasantly.
"My uncle always told me you wouldn't stay," said Julius.
"Perhaps he got me turned off," suggested Paul.
"I reckon he did. He didn't like you much."
"No; there wasn't much love lost between us."
"Where are you going now?"
"Round to the office."
"What for?"
"To see Mr. Bradford."
"If you want him to take you on again," said Julius, rather uneasily, "you might as well give it up. He won't do it."
"Are you quite sure?"
"Oh, yes," answered Julius, hurriedly; "my uncle wouldn't let him do it."
"I thought Mr. Bradford was boss, not your uncle," Paul ventured to observe.
"He'll let my uncle choose the office-boy, and of course uncle Emanuel prefers me."
"Don't be alarmed, Julius. I won't try to deprive you of your place. Still I want to see Mr. Bradford."
"Oh, I know what you want," said Julius, nodding.
"Suppose you tell me?"
"You want Mr. Bradford to give you a recommendation, so you can get another place."
"You are sharp, Julius," said Paul, laughing.
"It doesn't take much sharpness to see that."
"Where are you going?"
"To the post-office."
"Very well. We may meet in the office. Good-morning."
"I don't understand that boy," said Julius to himself. "Anybody would think he was all right, instead of having lost his place and a salary of ten dollars a week. It's awful mean of the old man to pay me only four. I'm worth as much as Paul any day."
Such was the idea of Julius, and he was by no means singular in thinking well of himself. That is rather common among men as well as boys.
Paul went on his way and soon reached the office.
The book-keeper turned his head as he entered.
When his eyes rested on Paul he frowned.
"You back again?" he said.
"I am back again, Mr. Manson," replied Paul, composedly.
"What do you want?" asked Manson, rudely.
"My business is not with you, but with Mr. Bradford," answered Paul, coldly.
"It appears to me you have no business whatever in this office after being discharged," continued Manson.
"It is plain Mr. Bradford doesn't tell you all his affairs," said Paul.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I am still in Mr. Bradford's employ, though not as office-boy."
"Is this true?" asked Manson, in a tone of unpleasant surprise.
"Yes, sir. I am here now by Mr. Bradford's appointment."
The book-keeper's countenance fell. Where now was his triumph? As the post of office-boy was the lowest in the establishment, it was clear Paul had been promoted, and the book-keeper would no longer have the satisfaction of ordering him about or giving him annoyance.