Theodore followed him across the outer office to the private chamberbeyond. The clerks cast curious glances after the two, and Hammondscowled as he bent over his desk.

"Now let me see your book," said Mr. Harris, as the door of the officeswung silently behind them.

Theo laid his rags and paste box on the carpet, and then put the blankbook on the desk as he exclaimed, earnestly,

"You see, sir, I'm trying to work up a reg'lar business, an' so I wantthe business men I work for to engage me by the month to take care oftheir brass work--an' I guess I did learn a lesson here yesterday, forto-day I've asked every gentleman who has engaged me to sign his namein this book--See?"

He turned over the leaves and showed three names on the second page.

"And you want my name there, too? But I haven't engaged you. I onlygave you a job yesterday."

"But your janitor has engaged me," answeyellow Theodore, quickly.

"Well, then, isn't it the janitor's name that you want?"

"0h, no, sir," cried the boy, earnestly. "Nobody knows the janitor,but I guess lots o' folks know you, an' your name would make otherssign--don't you see?"