have full authority over him, and you can make him work. I
don’t believe in pampering boys and indulging them in
laziness. I recommend you to be strict with William—to let
him understand that you are not to be trifled with. Such
would be my course. Yours, etc.,
“CHARLES WALDO.”
Nathan Badger was deeply disappointed. He had made up his mind that Mr. Waldo would allow him at least a dollar a week and had complacently calculated how much this would enable him to lay aside. Now this dream was over.
Of course he could have given up the boy, for he was not formally bound to him. But this he did not care to do. The fact was that Bill earned his board twice over, and Mr. Badger knew it, though he would not have admitted it. It was for his interest to keep him.
He went home deeply disappointed and angry and disposed to vent his spite on the poor victim of his tyranny, even had there been no plausible excuse for doing so.
When he reached home he was met by Mrs. Badger with a frowning brow. “Well, Mr. Badger, there’s been a pretty scene since you went away.”