"I would rather take the refusal from his lips," said Ben.
"Oh, well, I suppose you can go and see him if you want to, but you will find that I am right."
"I think I will see him, then."
Clarence had been intending to go out at once, but it struck him that he would enjoy seeing his poor cousin rebuffed, and he accompanied Ben to the back of the store.
"Father," he said, as he entered the office, followed by Ben, "here is Ben Baker, who wants to see you. I told him it would be of no use to ask you for help, but he doesn't believe me."
Mr. Walton frowned ominously.
"Well, boy," he said, frigidly, "so you have lost your place with Major Grafton?"
"Yes, sir."
"I am convinced that it was on account of misconduct on your part."