Mrs. Rand and Chester began to feel anxious. Their hearts were filled with pity for the young man, but how could they bear the expense which this sickness would entail upon them?
“Silas Tripp is his uncle,” said Mrs. Rand. “He ought to contribute the expense of his sickness.”
“I will go and see him,” said Chester. So he selected a time when business would be slack in the store, and called in. He found Mr. Trip in a peevish mood.
“How are you, Chester?” he said. “I wish you was back.”
“Why, Mr. Tripp? You’ve got Abel Wood in my place.”
“He ain’t of much account,” grumbled Silas. “What do you think he done this mornin’?”
“I don’t know, sir.”
“He smashed two dozen eggs, and eggs twenty-two cents a dozen. But I’ll take it out of his salary. He’s dreadful awkward, that boy!”
“Poor Abel!” thought Chester. “I am afraid he won’t have much salary coming to him at the end of the week.”
“You never broke no eggs while you was here, Chester.”