"Forty, then, and that's high pay for a half grown boy."
"I'm more than half grown," returned Bert. "It's no use, Mr. Wilson, I won't take less than fifty cents."
"Then jump on the wagon. It's a big price to pay, but I'm in a hole, and won't stop to dicker."
"I will go and tell my mother first."
"Well, hurry up, for part of the day is gone already."
"I don't believe you'll like it, Bert," said Mrs. Barton.
"Nor I, but I made up my mind to accept the first offer I got, and I shall feel better satisfied if I keep my word. I'll come round this evening, after work, and tell you how I like it as far as I've got."
Bert seated himself in the wagon next to the farmer.
"Be you the boy that Jones charged with stealin'?" asked Silas.