Mr. Carver laughed in what seemed to be an entirely uncalled-for manner.
"I don't believe you'll keep your place long," thought the young boatman; but he, too, was not disposed to tell all he knew. So the two parted, each possessed of a secret in regard to the other.
Mr. Carver, however, was destined to receive the first disagreeable surprise. After parting from Grit he met Mr. Graves in the street.
"Good morning, Mr. Graves," he said, in his usual deferential manner, for he was a worldly-wise man, though he had committed one fatal mistake.
"Good morning, Mr. Carver," said the president of the bank gravely.
"Shall you have any errand for me this week?"
"I have something to say to you, Mr. Carver," said Mr. Graves, "and I may as well take the present opportunity to do so. We have concluded to dispense with your services, and you are at liberty to look elsewhere for employment."
"You are going to dispense with my services!" repeated Carver, in dismay.
"Such is the determination of the directors, Mr. Carver."