"What wages do you get?" he asked, looking up.
"Twenty dollars a week, sir," said Cromwell.
As the reader knows, this was just double what he did receive, and as Mr. Morton was not likely to inquire of his employer, he felt that the lie was a safe one, and likely to conduce to his advantage.
"Twenty dollars a week! Very well, I will tell you what you must do. In the first place, you must refuse to make your employer any communications respecting this affair."
"Very well, sir."
"And if he discharges you, I will pay you twenty dollars a week until you can get another situation. Perhaps I may find you some other employment, unless you prefer your present business."
"No, sir, I don't like it."
"Do, then, as I tell you, and I will see that you suffer no loss."
"Thank you, sir," said James Cromwell, rising. "I will follow your directions, and let you know the result to-morrow evening."