"Who give him that right?" asked Squire Paget.
"Certainly not the town committee."
"Mr. Foley said I might have him help me during slack hours," returned the young bridge tender, mentioning the name of another of the committeemen.
"He ain't got no power," put in Uriah. "It wasn't never put to a vote."
"I must have some help."
"A young man that was really willing to work wouldn't need no help," grumbled the miserly storekeeper. "It is only on account of laziness you need help."
"That's so," added the postmaster, willing to "pile it on" when there was such a good chance. "Better get back to work at once!"
"I will," replied Ralph, and, not wishing to lose his job on the spot, he left the store, followed by Horace Kelsey.
"It's a shame the way they treat you!" burst out the young man, as the two walked toward the bridge. "I don't really see how they can do it."
"I suppose they will discharge me now," returned Ralph, bitterly. "And all because I claim a bill that I am positive is my own!"