A friend of mine tried it once and came
near starving."
This was not encouraging, but Frank was not going to despair before he
had fairly begun his work.
"I find that boys receive such small wages," Frank continued, "that I
preferred to try an agency."
"Quite true," said Mr. Preston, condescendingly. "When I started I was
paid a paltry sum; now I am not paid what I am worth. Still, twenty-five
dollars a week is fair."
"Quite fair," responded Frank, who could not, of course, know that Mr.
Preston did not receive one-half of this sum, though he chose to give
that impression.
After dinner, Preston was obliged to go back to the store where he was
employed. By invitation, Frank walked with him.
Turning into Sixth Avenue they passed a saloon.
"Won't you have something to drink, Courtney?" said Preston.
"No, thank you, I never drink," answered Frank.
"It will brace you up, and make you feel jolly. Better come in!"
"I don't need bracing up," answered Frank, quietly.
"Well, perhaps you are right," said Mr. Peter Preston. "I don't indulge
very often, but sometimes I feel like it."
Some boys might have yielded to the temptation, but Frank had determined
that he would abstain from liquor, and kept his resolution.
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