CHAPTER X. BRANDON LEARNS GRIT'S SECRET.
"I had no idea the boy had grown so much," said Brandon to himself, as he directed his course toward the tavern. "I thought he was a little kid, but he's almost as big as I am. He's kind of obstinate, too, but he'll find out who's master before long. It's ridiculous, his expectin' to have the handlin' of all the money that comes into the house. Just as if he had any judgment—a boy of his age."
The chances are that Grit's judgment in the matter would have proved better than Brandon's, since the latter proposed to spend a large portion of the money for drink.
"I expect the boy makes a good thing out of his boating," resumed Mr. Brandon. "He owned up that he had almost two dollars, and it's likely he earned it all to-day."
Presently Brandon reached the tavern, and entered the barroom.
He called for whisky, and swallowed it with gusto.
"You may charge it to me," said he carelessly; "I'll pay once a week."
"We don't care to do business that way," said the barkeeper.