"Oh, no indeed. I have lost my situation."
"How is that? You were getting on so well. Mr. Hazleton seemed to be perfectly satisfied with you, and I thought that you were quite a favorite in the establishment. How was it that you lost your place?"
"I lost it through the meanness of Mr. Mahler."
"Mr. Mahler, our Superintendent of public schools?"
"Yes, it was through him that I lost my situation."
"Why, what could you have done to offend him?"
"Nothing at all; I never had an unpleasant word with him in my life."
"Do explain yourself. I cannot see why he should have used any influence to deprive you of your situation."
"He had it in his power to do me a mean, low-life trick, and he did it, and I hope to see the day when I will be even with him," said the lad, with a flashing eye, while an angry flush mantled his cheek.
"Do any of the family deal at Mr. Hazleton's store? Perhaps you gave some of them offence through neglect or thoughtlessness in dealing with them."