"I can't understand how the squire can put up with Percy's ways," said Ralph, after a pause. "He seems to ride right over his father."
"Squire Paget will rue it one of these days," returned Mr. Gillup, with a grave shake of his head. "Boys as is allowed their own way like that never amount to much."
The conversation helped to pass the time, and almost before they knew it, Hopeville was reached. Ralph thanked the farmer and left the wagon.
After leaving a bill in every store and house in the village, Ralph walked around to the various summer boarding-places. This took time, and ere he had finished it was dark.
"There! I imagine that is one fair day's work done," he said, at last, as he reached his final handful of bills. "I've covered a good many miles since I left home this morning."
He was fortunate enough to catch a ride back with a man who was carting a load of garden truck down to the lake for shipment, and he entered the cottage just as the clock was striking seven.
"Done for the day, and glad of it, mother!" he cried.
"You are not used to tramping around, Ralph," she returned, as she kissed him.
"That's a fact. I don't believe I would make a very good tramp, anyway," he went on.
"I trust you will never be reduced to that," she shuddered.