Part 33 (1/2)
”I shall try to get employment in the mill again. I have been idle nearly a year now.”
”Your aunt has been getting along very well.”
”Yes; thanks to the seven dollars a week received for Emma's board.
But I don't like to feel that she is supporting the family. I think it is high time for me to be at work.”
”Ben, I've been thinking of something.”
”Out with it, James.”
”Sam Archer will be very much disappointed if you take the prize over him.”
”He doesn't love me overmuch now.”
”I am afraid he will prejudice his father against you, so as to induce him to refuse you employment in the mill.”
”Do you think he would be as mean as that?”
”Do I think so? I know it. Sam Archer is mean enough for anything.”
”He has just as good a chance as I have.”
”He told one of the boys you were Mr. Taylor's pet. He will say the prize was give to you on account of favoritism.”
”Will anybody believe it?”
”No one except Sam's special friends. I think Mr. Taylor does like you. That reminds me, where do you think Mr. Taylor is to-night?”
”I don't know, I am sure.”
”He is dining at Mr. Archer's.”
”That's something new, isn't it?”
”Mr. Archer is trying to curry favor with the princ.i.p.al for Sam.”
”Then he doesn't know him very well. Mr. Taylor will decide justly, at any rate.”
”Do you want very much to go back to the mill, Ben?”
”Yes.”
”Then the best thing you can do is to let Sam beat you. That will make him good-natured and you will probably get a place.”
”I shan't resign the prize. I shall do my best to obtain it. If that loses me employment in the mill, I will go in search of employment elsewhere.”
”I like your pluck, Ben.”