Joe the Hotel Boy; Or, Winning out by Pluck by Pluck by Jr. Horatio Alger (novels to read .txt) 📕

“I'm glad I was there to do it, Mr. Mallison.”

“Let me see, aren't you Hiram Bodley's boy?”

“I lived with Mr. Bodley, yes.”

“That is what I mean. It was a terrible accident that killed him. Are you still living at the tumbled-down cabin?”

“No, sir. I've just sold off the things, and I am going to settle in town.”

“Where?”

“I haven't decided that yet. I was going to hunt up a place when Ike Fairfield gave me the job of rowing out the young ladies.”

“I see. You own the boat, eh?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You ought to be able to make a fair living, taking out summer boarders.”

“I suppose so, but that won't give me anything to do this winter.”

“Well, perhaps something else will turn up by that time.” Andrew Mallison drew out a fat wallet. “I want to reward you for saving Mabel.”

He drew out two ten-dollar bills and held them towards our hero. But Joe shook his head and drew back.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Mallison, but I don't want any reward.”

“But you have earned it fairly, my lad.”

“I won't touch it. If you want to help me you can throw some odd rowing jobs from the hotel in my way.”

“Then you won't really touch the money?”

“No, sir.”

“How would you like to work for the hotel regularly?”

“I'd like it first-rate if it paid.”

“I can guarantee you regular work so long as the summer season lasts.”

“And what would it pay?”

“At least a dollar a day, and your board.”

“Then I'll accept and with thanks for your kindness.”

“When can you come?”

“I'm here already.”

“That means that you can stay from now on?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I don't suppose you want the job of hauling somebody from the lake every day,” said Andrew Mallison, with a smile.

“Not unless I was dressed for it, Mr. Mallison. Still, it has been the means of getting me a good position.”

“I shall feel safe in sending out parties with you for I know you will do your best to keep them from harm.”

“I'll certainly do that, I can promise you.”

“To-morrow you can take out two old ladies who wish to be rowed around the whole lake and shown every point of interest. Of course you know all the points.”

“Yes, sir, I know every foot of ground around the lake, and I know the mountains, too.”

“Then there will be no difficulty in keeping you busy. I am glad to take you on. I am short one man—or will be by to-night. I am going to let Sam Cullum go, for he drinks too much.”

“Well, you won't have any trouble with me on that score.”

“Don't you drink?”

“Not a drop, sir.”

“I am glad to hear it, and it is to your credit,” concluded the hotel proprietor.