Part 5 (1/2)
Hal was already at work, clearing away the snow at a lively rate. Ferris approached him.
”Say, are you the fellow that did me out of my job?” he asked, savagely.
”I haven't done any one out of a job,” returned Hal. ”Do you work here?”
”I did, but I don't any more.”
”Why not?”
”Because old Sumner expects the earth from me and he can't get it; see?”
Ferris winked one eye. ”I'm too smart to allow myself to be stepped onto, I am. You had better quit working; he won't pay you much for your trouble.”
”I'll risk it,” replied Hal.
”If I find you played me foul, I'll break you all up,” went on Ferris.
And with this threat he hurried off.
Hal looked after the boy for an instant and then continued his work. The sidewalk was soon cleaned, and he returned to the office.
Hardwick let him in behind the railing, giving him a sharp look as he pa.s.sed.
”I've seen him somewhere before,” he muttered to himself, as he continued at his books. ”But where I can't remember.”
”What! done already?” exclaimed Mr. Sumner to Hal.
”Yes, sir.”
”It didn't take long.”
”It wasn't much of a job, sir.”
”Ferris would have taken all of the morning.”
”Was that the boy who just left?”
”Yes.”
”He said he would whip me if I played him foul.”
”Humph! He is a bad boy. You must be careful, and not get into any trouble.”
”I will, sir. But I am not afraid of him.”
”No; you look as if you could take care of yourself.” Mr. Sumner rubbed his chin. ”So you say you have no prospects ahead?”
”No, sir, but I am not afraid----”
”Let me see your handwriting.”