count in proof-reading. Not that there's much scope for that sort of
thing, sir, in my little business. But it's just an idea we might keep
in mind. There's no knowing what might come of it. Now I'm not going
to omit the business part, sir. I know you must be wanting to hear
about that, and I know you'd prefer to make a bargain on a strict
business basis. Perhaps you care to make a suggestion."

"I am too ignorant for that. I want you to give me just what I am
worth and no more. Of course, I know that I shall not be worth
anything for some time."

In a few minutes they had arranged everything in such a way that there
should be no obligation on either side. Morgan was to live in the
house. A wage was to be put to his credit from the beginning for all
work done by him that was of use, at the regular "piece rates," and
such work as "pulling at press" and "clearing," which could only be
estimated by time, was to be entered at time rates. Of course his
earnings at first would be very small, but they would increase from
week to week. On the other hand, an agreed weekly value was put on his
board and lodging, which from the first would be charged against his
earnings. And when eventually the wages due to him had overtaken the
amount thus due by him, he should get the weekly balance in cash, or
he might then, if he preferred, board and lodge where it pleased him.

Morgan was touched by old Kettering's sympathetic comprehension of his
needs, but when he sought to give expression to his thanks, the old
man would not listen.

Mark entered just then, and, the situation having been made clear to
him in a few words, readily agreed to have Morgan by his side in the
workshop, and to make of him a sort of protege.

The whole interview had consumed barely half an hour, and Morgan went
out just as the journeymen were returning for their afternoon's work.
He had arranged to begin in the morning, since they had a heavy job
to get finished that afternoon, and could not spare a moment to
initiate him. Mark, however, said he would teach him the lay of the
case that evening from a diagram. Kettering, before he left, said he
would make it his business to give the girls to understand that they
must treat him with respect, but begged him to ignore them in case
they should misbehave, winding up with his oft-expressed conviction
that all women-folk were crazy, and it was a mistake to take them
seriously.

However, Morgan troubled himself litt