out, and I need some one to attend to the place half of the time."
Again Zeph glanced all about the place.
"Say, it fascinates me," he observed to Ralph. "Upon my word, I believe I'll come to work here When I get through with this work for you."
"Tell you what," said Limpy Joe with a shrewd glance at Zeph, as he placed the smoking dishes before his customers. "I'll make it worth the while of an honest, active fellow to come in here with me. I have some grand ideas."
"You had some good ones when you fitted up the place," declared Zeph.
"You think it over. I like your looks," continued Joe. "I'm in earnest, and I might make it a partnership after a while."
The boys ate a hearty meal, and the young fireman paid for it.
"Business good, Joe?" he inquired, as they were about to leave.
"Famous. I've got some new customers, too. Don't know who they are."
"What's that?"
"I don't, for a fact."
"That sounds puzzling," observed Ralph.
"Well, it's considerable of a puzzle to me—all except the double pay I get," responded Joe. "For
