"You will find that rather a hard job, young man," said Rich, with a sneer.
"I don't understand you," returned Andy, in surprise.
"Mr. Flint is on his way to Denver by this time."
"Does he go on business?"
"He has received news that his only brother lies there at the point of death."
"How long will he be gone?" asked Andy, who began to understand that this was likely to prove bad news for him.
"Probably not less than three weeks. Of course, I shall manage the store while he is away. Did you hear that?"
"Yes."
"And I want you to understand," continued Rich, in a bullying tone, "that I won't stand any nonsense from you. You will have to attend strictly to business. I sha'n't be such an easy-going boss as Mr. Flint."
"I always aim to do my duty," said Andy.