"You need not expect that I will change my mind," he added. "Out of Jackson you must go. I know there is no other farm which you can hire, and while I am Mr. Percival's agent, you need expect no favors from me."
"I don't expect any while you are Mr. Percival's agent," said Mr. Hamlin.
There was something in the farmer's tone that arrested the agent's attention and excited his curiosity, though it did not awaken his alarm, and he could not help saying:
"Then what do you expect? Do you think I am going to die?"
"I don't expect that you will die or resign, Mr. Fairfield. You may be removed."
"Have you been writing to Mr. Percival?" exclaimed Fairfield, in mingled anger and apprehension.
"No, sir; I have not communicated with him in any way. You would not give me his address."
"Of course I would not," said the agent, feeling relieved. "It would be mere impertinence for you to write to him."
"Fortunately there is no immediate occasion for me to do so, as he has sent a representative here to investigate your official conduct."
"A representative!" exclaimed Fairfield, now thoroughly startled. "Where is he? I have not seen him."