“Don’t talk like an idiot, lad,” he exclaimed, choking down his wrathful amazement. “Of course you can do as I wish. It will be the making of Tom and of you.”
“I’d like to do it if I could, Mr. Jukes,” said Jack, wondering why he seemed to be doomed always to run afoul of this man who appeared bent on doing him a kindness. “It’s a great offer. Please don’t think I do not appreciate it.”
“Then why in the name of heaven don’t you accept it?” thundered Mr. Jukes with rising wrath.
“Because I cannot, sir,” rejoined Jack bravely; while he thought to himself, “This means I’ll have to look for another job.”
“Cannot! Why, of all the crass idiocy! What ails you, boy! Cannot, indeed! Why?”
“Because I have chosen my own way of life, sir, and I must follow it out,” replied Jack, as firmly as he could in spite of the bitter feeling that filled him that he was killing his own chances with the Titan Line.
Tom Jukes tried to interpose, but his father angrily choked him off.
“Not a word!” he exclaimed. And then, to Jack, with an air of finality:
“I’ve no more time to dally words with an ungrateful boy. Is it yes or no?”
“It must be no, sir,” said Jack, setting his teeth, “but, if you would let me explain, I——”