"That's all right, Ralph; I won't ask none on this job, exceptin' you catch the chap as did it, and make him pony up, as the sayin' goes."
"You are very kind. I doubt if I am able to do anything in the matter," returned Ralph, hopelessly.
He had hardly reached home, when a knock was heard on the cottage door. They opened it to admit Squire Paget's hired man.
"A letter for Ralph Nelson," the man said, and handed it over. "I don't think there is any answer," he added, and bowed his way out.
"It must be from the squire," cried Mrs. Nelson. "Perhaps he has relented of his harsh treatment——"
"Not he!" exclaimed Ralph. "It isn't in him."
The boy broke the seal of the letter, and drew out the document, which read as follows:
Mrs. Randolph Nelson:—Owing to circumstances of which you are as well aware as ourselves, we shall not require your services or those of your son as bridge tender for Westville after the week ending July 19.
The Westville Township Committee,
Per Hon. Thomas Paget, Chairman.