Part 17 (2/2)
Ralph's remaining time as bridge tender went swiftly by, and on the day set by the committee he was paid off by Squire Paget, and Dan Pickley was duly installed in his place.
”What are you going to do now?” asked the squire, as he handed over Ralph's salary.
”I don't know yet,” returned the boy.
”Guess you'll find it rather hard to find work around Westville.”
”I don't know. I haven't had any chance of looking around.”
”Well, I'm sorry for you,” went on Squire Paget, hypocritically. ”I don't like to see any one out of work.”
”Really! It was yourself got me out of the job!” retorted Ralph.
”No, it wasn't, Nelson; it was your own hasty temper. If you hadn't attacked Percy--but let that pa.s.s----”
”Percy was in the wrong--I shall always say so----” interrupted Ralph.
”There you go!” snarled the squire. ”I was going to offer you a situation on one of my ca.n.a.l boats, but I shan't do it now. You don't deserve it.”
”I do not want any situation from you,” replied the boy, with a sudden show of spirit. ”I would rather find my own employment.”
”Going to be pig-headed, eh?”
”You can call it what you please. You did not treat me fairly, and I guess I can get along without your aid.”
And without another word Ralph pocketed his pay, and walked off.
”A regular young tartar!” mused the squire, as he gazed after him. ”He won't be easy to manage; that's certain. Too bad I couldn't get him on the ca.n.a.l boat. I must find some way of getting him out of Westville--and his mother, too. I can't do much while they are around.”
Ralph had been paid off at the squire's office in the village, and now he made his way to Uriah d.i.c.ks' store, to settle up the family account.
”How much do we owe you, Mr. d.i.c.ks?” he asked, as he walked up to Uriah, who was poring over a very dirty ledger.
”Oh, so it's you, Ralph!” exclaimed the storekeeper. ”Been up to the squire's yet?”
”Yes.”
”Did you get your pay?”
”Yes.”
”And now you want to settle up?”
”Yes,” replied Ralph, for a third time.
”I hope you ain't a-goin' to quit tradin' with me!” cried Uriah, in some alarm.
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