Saunders took the fourteen dollars, counted them over, and then did as requested. Without another word Ferris hurried out and down the stairs.
"I hope you are satisfied," said Hal, to the dry-goods clerk.
"I am sorry I suspected you," returned Saunders. "What a mean dog Ferris is."
"He is down on me because I am filling the position he was discharged from," explained Hal.
"Unless he takes a turn for the better I shall tell him to leave the house," cried Mrs. Ricket, trying to dry away her tears. "Ever since he came, two years ago, he has been a torment to me. I only keep him for my poor dead sister's sake."
"How about this stuff?" questioned Saunders, pointing to the inkstands and the boxes of pens.
"I shall return them to Sumner, Allen & Co."
"Queer how that boy got hold of those things," said Mrs. Ricket.
Hal pretended not to hear the remark, and a moment later Saunders and the landlady left the room.
"So that was the plot against me," muttered Hal, as he fixed up to go to supper. "I wonder what Hardwick will say when he hears how it turned out?"