Part 23 (1/2)
Bright and early Tom made his appearance in front of Mr. Ferguson's establishment. As he came up one way, he met Maurice, looking sleepy and cross, coming from a different direction.
”Good-morning, Maurice,” said our hero, good-naturedly. ”Have you just got out of bed?”
”No,” answered Maurice, crossly. ”My name is Walton.”
”How are you, Walton?”
”Mr. Walton, if you please,” said Maurice, with dignity.
”Don't we feel big this morning, _Mr._ Walton?” said Tom, mischievously.
”Do you mean to insult me?”
”Wouldn't think of such a thing, Mr. Walton. My name is _Mr._ Grey.”
Maurice didn't think proper to answer this remark--perhaps because he had nothing in particular to say. He opened the warehouse, and Tom entered.
”I don't know what made Mr. Ferguson take you,” he said, amiably.
”Nor I,” said Tom; ”particularly as he had your valuable services.”
”Very likely he took you out of charity,” said Maurice.
”Did he take you out of charity?” asked Tom, innocently--”Mr. Walton?”
”How dare you speak of me in that way?” demanded Maurice, haughtily.
”It didn't take much courage,” said Tom, coolly. ”How dared you speak of me in that way?”
”That's different.”
”Why is it?”
”You haven't got much money--you're almost a beggar.”
”Where did you find out all that?”
”Anybody can tell by just looking at you.”
”That's the way, then? Have you got much money?”
”My uncle has.”
”So has my uncle.”
”I don't believe it.”
”That don't alter the fact.”
”How much is he worth?”