Turning around Ben recognized in the speaker his friend, Albert Graham.
“Was I speaking aloud?” Ben asked.
“Yes, and with considerable emphasis. What is it all about?”
“I find my precious stepfather has agreed to bind me apprentice to Silas Flack, the shoemaker, in consideration of fifty dollars a year paid to him annually till I am twenty-one.”
“You don’t mean it, Ben?”
“Yes, it’s true. Mr. Winter told me himself, though he didn’t speak of the fifty dollars. That was told me by Mr. Flack.”
“I don’t wonder you call it a shame,” said Albert warmly.
“That is why Mr. Winter isn’t willing to have me attend the high school; that wouldn’t bring him in any money.”
“I see. Have you told your mother about it yet?”
“No, but I shall as soon as I go home.”