Part 5 (1/2)
”Then I'd better see if I can't find a place somewhere else. I don't want to take away your place, if you are poor and need the money uncle pays you.”
”I do need it, but I guess something else will turn up for me. You are Mr. Mead's nephew, and ought to have it.”
”I hope we shall be friends, at any rate,” said Howard, warmly.
”I am sure we shall, Howard,” returned Harry, cordially, who felt attracted toward his new friend, in spite of the misfortune which his arrival would bring to him personally.
Just then, within a quarter of a mile of the store, Harry saw his young enemy, Philip Ross, approaching him.
Philip was driving his buggy, which had been repaired since the accident.
”I wonder if he will turn out for me?” thought Harry.
Philip had learned wisdom from experience, and did turn out for the store wagon. He knew Harry's firmness too well to put it to the test a second time at his own expense.
”Good-morning, Philip,” said Harry, in his usual manner.
Philip did not notice Harry's salutation, but held his head very high, while his face reddened and his lip curled as he drove by his late antagonist.
”Who is that boy?” asked Howard, whose attention was drawn to Philip's singular conduct.
”Philip Ross, son of Colonel Ross, a rich man in town.”
”Is he deaf?”
”No.”
”He didn't seem to hear you say good-morning.”
”Oh, yes, he did,” answered Harry, laughing; ”but Philip isn't very fond of me.”
”Are you enemies?”
”We had a little difficulty lately, and Philip hasn't got over it yet.”
”Tell me about it.”
Harry told the story, and Howard fully sustained him in what he had done.
”He must be a mean boy.”
”He thinks he has more rights than common folks, such as he considers me. He tried--or, at least, his mother did--to have Mr. Mead turn me off, but your uncle is too just a man to go against me for doing my duty.”
”I noticed he gave you half the road this time,” said Howard.
”Yes,” answered Harry, with a smile. ”He doesn't care to have his wheel taken off again.”
By this time they had reached the store, and Howard introduced himself to his uncle. The next day the blow fell.
”Harry,” said Mr. Mead, ”I've got bad news for you. My nephew stands in need of a place, and I can't afford to keep two boys. I wish I could keep you, too.”