"It was not much to do. But why do you say he was a profitable visitor, mother? Did he pay you anything for what you did?"
"Yes, he paid me two dollars. I didn't want a cent, but he insisted on it."
"Then he is certainly rich, mother, for he gave me twenty dollars in addition."
"Why, Ralph!"
"But, hold on, mother, don't be too pleased. I have already lost the money, so his generosity will do me no good."
And Ralph told his mother the story, just as he had told it to old Bob Sanderson, their boarder.
"That Paget boy is a bad egg, I am afraid," said Mrs. Nelson, with a grave look on her face. "I am sorry you got into trouble with him."
"So am I, but it couldn't be helped. The bridge rules say that no person is to cross without paying toll. Percy knows the rules, too."
"I understand he has caused the squire a lot of trouble, but for all that, he is his father's pet."
"It's strange, if Percy gives him so much trouble."