On his way to the business district the next morning, he stopped and
bought a blank book and a pencil, and wherever he cleaned a sign or a
railing that day, he tried to make a regular engagement to keep the
brasses in good condition. If he secured a promise of the work by the
month he made a reduction on his price, and every business man--or
janitor who regularly engaged him, was asked to write his own name in
the new blank book. Not on the first page of the book, however. That
the boy kept blank until about the time when Mr. Harris had come to
his office the day before. At that hour, Theodore was waiting near the
office door, and there Mr. Harris found him as he came up the steps.
"Good-morning, sir," said Theo, pulling off his cap with a smile
lighting up his plain face.
"Good-morning," returned the gentleman. "Have you found something
else to polish up here to-day?"
"No, sir, but I wanted to ask you if you would sign your name here in
my book," the boy replied.
Mr. Harris looked amused. "Come into my office," he said, "and tell me
what it is that you want."
Theodore followed him across the outer office to the private room
beyond. The clerks cast curious glances after the two, and Hammond
scowled as he bent over his desk.
"Now let me see your book," said Mr.
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