Read The Errand Boy; Or, How Phil Brent Won Success Page 31

  CHAPTER XXX.

  PHIL'S TRUST.

  Among the duties which devolved upon Phil was Mr. Carter's bankbusiness. He generally made deposits for Uncle Oliver, and drew money onhis personal checks whenever he needed it.

  It has already been said that Mr. Carter was a silent partner in thefirm of which Mr. Pitkin was the active manager. The arrangement betweenthe partners was, that each should draw out two hundred dollars a weektoward current expenses, and that the surplus, if any, at the end of theyear, should be divided according to the terms of the partnership.

  When Phil first presented himself with a note from Mr. Carter, he was anobject of attention to the clerks, who knew that he had been dischargedby Mr. Pitkin. Yet here he was, dressed in a new suit provided with awatch, and wearing every mark of prosperity. One of the most surprisedwas Mr. G. Washington Wilbur, with whom, as an old friend, Phil stoppedto chat.

  "Is old Pitkin going to take you back?" he inquired.

  "No," answered Phil promptly. "He couldn't have me if he wanted me."

  "Have you got another place?"

  "Yes."

  "What's the firm?"

  "It isn't in business. I am private secretary to Mr. Carter."

  Mr. Wilbur regarded him with surprise and respect.

  "Is it a soft place?" he inquired.

  "It's a very pleasant place."

  "What wages do you get?"

  "Twelve dollars a week and board."

  "You don't mean it?"

  "Yes, I do."

  "Say, doesn't he want another secretary?" asked Mr. Wilbur.

  "No, I think not."

  "I'd like a place of that sort. You're a lucky fellow, Phil."

  "I begin to think I am."

  "Of course you don't live at the old place."

  "No; I live on Madison Avenue. By the way, Wilbur, how is yourlady-love?"

  Mr. Wilbur looked radiant.

  "I think I'm getting on," he said. "I met her the other evening, and shesmiled."

  "That is encouraging," said Phil, as soberly as possible. "All thingscome to him who waits! That's what I had to write in my copy-book once."

  Phil was received by Mr. Pitkin with more graciousness than he expected.He felt that he must do what he could to placate Uncle Oliver, but hewas more dangerous when friendly in his manner than when he was rudeand impolite. He was even now plotting to get Phil into a scrape whichshould lose him the confidence of Uncle Oliver.

  Generally Phil was paid in a check payable to the order of Mr. Carter.But one Saturday two hundred dollars in bills were placed in his handsinstead.

  "You see how much confidence I place in your honesty," said Mr. Pitkin."You couldn't use the check. This money you could make off with."

  "It would be very foolish, to say the least," responded Phil.

  "Of course, of course. I know you are trustworthy, or I would have givenyou a check instead."

  When Phil left the building he was followed, though he did not know it,by a man looking like a clerk.

  Ah, Phil, you are in danger, though you don't suspect it.