His eyes continually turned in his direction, and he asked him a question now and then.

The youth was too modest to intrude in the conversation, but knew how to express himself when asked to do so.
By and by the questions of Mr.Warmore became quite pointed.

Once or twice Tom was disposed to resent them; but reflecting that the gentleman was much older than he, and could have no wrong purpose in thus probing into his personal affairs, he replied promptly to all he asked.
Finally, when this had continued until it began growing dark, Mr.Warmore said,-- "I wish to hire you to enter my store, how would you like it ?" The question was so unexpected that Tom was fairly taken off his feet.

He replied with a pleasing laugh,-- "How can I answer, when I never saw you before, and have no idea of what your business is ?" "True, neither of us has seen the other until to-day; but I may say that I have heard of you from our pastor, Dr.Williams, who conducted the services of your young friend, that was buried a week ago." "He cannot know much about me, though we have had several talks together." "He talked, too, with Mr.Pitcairn here, as I did myself." "Yes," said the farmer, "he asked me many questions about you, and so did Mr.Warmore the other day when I was in his place." "I keep the largest store in Bellemore.

I have kept it for forty years, as did my father before me.