“Do you think Jim was punished?”
“I am sure he was not. He is a boy after Mr. Smith’s own heart, that is, he possesses the same mean and disagreeable qualities, perhaps in a greater degree. Has he interfered with you since?”
“No,” answered Hector, smiling; “he probably found that I object to being bullied.”
“You are fortunate in being strong enough to withstand his attacks.”
“Yes,” said Hector, quietly; “I am not afraid of him.”
“Bullies are generally cowards,” said the usher.
“I wonder, Mr. Crabb, you are willing to stay at Smith Institute, as usher to such a man as Mr. Smith.”
“Ah, Roscoe!” said Mr. Crabb, sighing; “it is not of my own free will that I stay. Poverty is a hard task-master. I must teach for a living.”
“But surely you could get a better position?”
“Perhaps so; but how could I live while I was seeking for it. My lad,” he said, after a pause, “I have a great mind to confide in you; I want one friend to whom I can talk unreservedly.”