“I am sorry to say—yes.”
“I wish that were all the harm likely to come of it. Will it take long to repair the dam?”
“A good while, I fear.”
“At any rate, one thing I am resolved upon. I won’t work for Mr. Winter. I will run away first.”
Ben’s face assumed a look of resolution as he left the superintendent and wended his way back to the farmhouse.
CHAPTER III.
MR. WINTER’S SAVINGS BANK.
There was very little conversation at the supper table after Ben had told the story of the explosion. Mrs. Winter was indignant at her husband’s breaking his promise to her that Ben should receive a thorough education. She had not yet had an opportunity to tell Ben, but she did so after the meal, when Mr. Winter had gone out to visit a neighbor.
“Ben,” she said, “you are not to go to the high school.”
“Who says so, mother?”