“No; he has left it for a time, but he expects to go back.”
“That’s onsartin, too. I’m sorry for you, widder.”
“Thank you, Mr. Tripp, but there’s no occasion.”
“You’ll be rather put to it to get along, I reckon.”
“Still, I have good friends in Wyncombe,” said Mrs. Rand, smiling mischievously. “Now, if I were really ‘put to it,’ I am sure I could rely upon your assistance.”
“I’m very short of money,” returned Silas, alarmed at this suggestion. “Still, I’ve got the will to help you. If Chester’s out of work, I’m ready to take him back into the store.”
“I will tell him that when I write.”
“Where is he now?”
“He’s gone out West.”
“He’s made a mistake. I knew a boy that went out West some years since, and nearly starved. He came home ragged and hungry.”