“There’s no Mrs. Young lives around here,” was the reply. “My name’s Bennett.”
“Does Chester Young live here, ma’am?”
“Are you a friend of his?” was the quick demand.
“My name is Faulkner, Mrs. Bennett. He worked for me in the Adams Building.”
“He did, eh? Then maybe you’ll be payin’ me two weeks’ board he’s owin’. Did he send you with the money?”
“No, I haven’t seen him since noon. That’s why I came over here. I thought perhaps I’d find him.”
“Well, you won’t, then. He’s skipped!”
“Skipped?” exclaimed Joe. “Gone for good, you mean?”
“He’s gone owin’ me two weeks’ board, which is nine dollars, and fifty cents he borrowed off me the day he came here. He was always promisin’ to pay it, but he never done it, and him bein’ out of work I didn’t press him at first and then afterwards he kept sayin’ he’d pay me every day. I’m a poor, hard-workin’ woman, and I need the money. Maybe you’re after owin’ him wages, now?”
“I’m not. I wish I were, Mrs. Bennett. I’m sorry he left without settling with you, ma’am. Could you tell me where he’s gone?”