“It is all a mistake, but I should not like it to get abroad. It would hurt my reputation a great 71 deal. I shall settle the matter in the near future. I do not owe that lady as much as the lawyer says I do,—but that is not your affair.” Job Haskers continued to pace the floor. “Now about your lessons,” he continued, after a pause. “If I—er—thought that I had really been too hard on you––” He paused.
“You certainly have been hard,” said Phil.
“And if you really need more time––”
“Give us two weeks more and we’ll be all right,” put in Ben.
“And if—er—if I should decide to do that, you will—er––”
“We’ll make good—and keep our mouths shut,” finished Phil.
“Very well. I will think it over, young gentlemen, and let you know to-morrow morning, before class. And in the meantime––”
“We won’t say a word to anybody,” said Ben, with a little grin.
“So be it;” and Job Haskers bowed. “There is the supper-bell. You may go now. Come to me just before class to-morrow,” he added; and then the two students passed out of the room, and the teacher shut the door after them.