“A boy employed by Mr. Goodnow. For some reason he seems to have a spite against me.”
“I admit that it is pretty small business to write an anonymous letter calculated to injure another. Still we shall have to take notice of this.”
“Yes, sir, I suppose so.”
“I shall have to bring it to the notice of the firm. What they may do I don’t know. If the matter was to be decided by me I would let you stay.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Rodney gratefully.
“But I am not Mr. Hall. You can go now and I will see you again.”
Rodney left the office fully persuaded that his engagement would speedily terminate. He was right; the next day he was sent for again.
“I am sorry to tell you, Ropes,” said the superintendent kindly “that Mr. Hall insists upon your being discharged. He is a nervous man and rather suspicious. I spoke in your favor but I could not turn him.”
“At any rate I am grateful to you for your friendly effort.”
The superintendent hesitated a moment, and then said: “Will this discharge seriously embarrass you? Are you short of money?”