At this Mr. Slocum lifted his left hand to clout Martin, who took advantage of a slight relaxing of the grip of the other hand to wrench himself away and leap down the stairs. He picked up his basket and fled out into the yard, leaving Mr. Slocum shouting threats and curses behind him.
The sequel to this unlucky meeting was seen later in the day. On returning from his afternoon round Martin found that Mr. Slocum had sent a message to the baker, saying that if the new errand boy was sent again to the house he would transfer his custom.
“You were impudent, I suppose,” said Mr. Faryner, “and you won’t suit me, and that’s a pity, for I’d taken a fancy to you. It’s a lesson to me to make inquiries before I hire a boy.”
Martin thought it was high time to give his employer a little information. He related the morning’s incident, not mentioning the box; some instinct prompted him to keep that to himself.
“There was nothing much to be angry about,” said the baker. “Have you told me everything?”
“I haven’t told you that I was once in Mr. Slocum’s employment, and he dismissed me for——”
“Impudence? Confess now.”
“No, sir; for fighting one of the apprentices.”
“Bless me, I’ve done that myself,” said Mr. Faryner, with a laugh. “But come now, I can’t afford to lose a good customer. I daren’t send you on that round again. Let me see.”
He stuck his hands into his belt and looked questioningly at Martin.