"If Mr. Burks would only let me live with him," he thought, "I should be happy, and I would be willing to work hard."
At half-past five Oscar came up to the room again, this time accompanied by his father.
"How do you like being locked up here?" asked Nahum.
"Not very well."
"Get down on your knees and beg my pardon for your bad conduct, and I will let you out."
"I would rather not, sir."
"Do you hear that, Oscar? He would rather not."
"I heard it, pa."
"It is only right that he should suffer the penalty of his headstrong conduct. Give him his supper and we will leave him to think of his sinfulness."
Oscar produced two more thin slices of bread and a cup of very weak tea.