But there certainly did not seem room for him anywhere else . Nobody wanted a boy . The answer to his question was invariably `` No . '' As the day wore on , Chester 's hopes and courage went down to zero , but he still tramped doggedly about . He would be thorough , at least . Surely somewhere in this big place , where everyone seemed so busy , there must be something for him to do . Once there seemed a chance of success . He had gone into a big provision store and asked the clerk behind the counter if they wanted a boy . `` Well , we do , '' said the clerk , looking him over critically , `` but I hardly think you 'll fill the bill . However , come in and see the boss . '' He took Chester into a dark , grimy little inner office where a fat , stubby man was sitting before a desk with his feet upon it . `` Hey ? What ! '' he said when the clerk explained . `` Looking for the place ? Why , sonny , you 're not half big enough . '' `` Oh , I 'm a great deal bigger than I look , '' cried Chester breathlessly . `` That is , sir -- I mean I 'm ever so much stronger than I look . I 'll work hard , sir , ever so hard -- and I 'll grow . '' The fat , stubby man roared with laughter .
What was grim earnest to poor Chester was a joke XXXXX him .
at behind if in into on than to upon with