Richard washed his hands and put on his coat in silence. Frank Massanet sat on the edge of a packing case and watched the boy thoughtfully.
"I wonder if Earle Norris has been discharged?" he remarked. "If any one was to go he should have been the person."
"I don't know," replied Richard. "I'll try to find out as I go down."
"Where are you going?"
"I don't know that either. I must think it over."
"Never mind; remember what I said before; you're in the right, so keep a stiff upper lip," returned Frank.
When Richard went down he passed through the shipping-room. Earle Norris was hard at work, sending off orders. He looked surprised, or pretended to, as the boy entered.
"Hello!" he exclaimed, "Off early?"
"Yes, I am," returned Richard briefly.
"How's that? Got a vacation?"