"Certainly. Just step behind the counter."
John followed directions, and, sitting down at the desk, commenced writing. He thought it better to write here than to do so at Mr. Huxter's, knowing that the suspicions of the latter would be excited.
It is not necessary for me to transcribe John's letter. He contented himself with stating plainly the situation in which he found himself, and the manner in which he had already been treated by Mr. Huxter, and wound up by asking Squire Selwyn's advice. Having concluded the letter, he directed it neatly, and, prepaying the postage, handed it to the clerk.
"All right," said the latter. "It'll go to-morrow morning."
When this matter was disposed of John felt more comfortable. He had transferred the responsibility of deciding what he should do to another in whom he had great confidence, and so felt a burden removed from his own shoulders. He thought he could stand Mr. Huxter's harsh treatment for a few days. Meanwhile, with the usual elasticity of youth, he began to feel an interest in the new scenes by which he was surrounded. He had never before been so far away from home, and though Jackson was not a very attractive place, it was new, and so had a certain charm for him. About half a mile distant he saw a hill, which, though barren pasture land, would afford him a good view of the village. He determined to climb it, and look about him.
We must now return to Mr. Huxter.
Half an hour or more after John left the house he began to feel thirsty,—not that natural, healthful thirst to which we are all subject, but the artificial, craving thirst of one who has accustomed himself to the drinking of alcoholic mixtures. Thanks to the advanced payment for John's board which he had received from his sister, he was unusually well supplied with funds, and felt that he need work no more than he chose. After splitting up a little wood, therefore, he turned out of the yard, and walked towards the tavern. He went into the bar-room, and received a cordial greeting from the landlord, of whom he was a pretty steady customer.
"Good-morning, Huxter, where have you kept yourself for two or three days? You haven't been round to see me."
"I've been making a visit to my sister," said Huxter.