“I saw you walking out with old Crabb,” said Bates.
“He isn’t particularly old,” said Hector.
“Oh, you know what I mean. Did you ever see such a scarecrow?”
“Do you refer to his dress?” asked Hector.
“Yes; he’ll soon be in rags. I shouldn’t wonder at all if that old suit of his was worn by one of Noah’s sons in the ark.”
“You don’t suppose he wears it from choice, do you?”
“I don’t know. He’s stingy, I suppose—afraid to spend a cent.”
“You are mistaken. He has a sister to support, and his salary is very small.”
“I can believe that. Old Sock is mean with his teachers. How much does he pay Crabb?”
“It is very little, but I don’t know that I ought to tell.”