“You can fasten your door if you are afraid. But that isn’t my trouble with him. There’s something more serious, Mrs. B.”
“What is it? What’s he been doin’?”
“It isn’t he. It’s Charles Waldo. I’m free to say that Mr. Waldo is the meanest man I ever had dealings with. You know I wrote to him to see if he wouldn’t allow me something extra toward the boy’s keep.”
“Yes.”
“Well, read that letter. Or, stay, I’ll read it to you.”
Mr. Badger took the letter from his pocket and read it aloud to his wife and son. Mrs. Badger was as much disappointed as her husband, for she was quite as fond of money as he.
“What are you goin’ to do?” she asked.
“I can’t do anything,” answered Mr. Badger in deep disgust.
“Will you keep the boy?”
“Of course I will. Between ourselves, he more than earns his victuals; but, all the same, Mr. Waldo is perfectly able to allow us a little profit.”