Part 34 (2/2)

Chapter XXII

Sam's Revenge

Now that vacation had fairly commenced, Ben thought he had better make application for employment at the mills. It was generally understood that business had improved and that new hands were to be taken on.

On the morning succeeding the award of prizes, Ben presented himself at the office of the superintendent.

After awhile the great man arrived. He nodded patronizingly to the applicants for employment. He saw Ben in the number and his small soul was rejoiced, for he meant to humiliate him.

He summoned one and another to a conference, engaging such as were old hands.

Ben began to look hopeful. He, too, had experience.

At last Mr. Archer beckoned to him to approach.

”What do you wish?” he demanded.

”I should like employment at the mills,” said Ben.

”Have you been in my employ before?”

”Yes, sir.”

Mr. Archer opened a thick folio volume which lay upon the desk, and appeared to be looking for something, which he found at last.

”I can't employ you,” he said coldly.

”Why not, sir?”

”Because your record is not good.”

Ben's eyes flashed with proper indignation.

”I don't understand, sir,” he said, in a dignified tone.

”It strikes me that my language is plain.”

”What complaints were made of me? I should like to know in what respect I failed to do my duty.”

”Probably you know as well as I can tell you,” said the superintendent. ”At any rate, I have no time to waste in examining into the matter. I prefer to take a boy who has nothing against him.

Next.”

Ben left the office, smarting not so much at the failure to obtain employment, as at the unfounded charges trumped up against him.

Just outside the office he met Sam Archer.

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