"When are you going to see Mr. Clayton again?"
"To-morrow morning. He's goin' down to show me his office, and he'll think it over whether he can take Ephraim or not."
"I suppose he is a rich man."
"I expect he is. He dresses fine. Ephraim would like to dress that way, but he hasn't the shape for it. I should feel proud to have him doin' as well as Mr. Clayton."
"I hope you won't mind my giving you a little advice, Mr. Onthank, even if I am a boy."
"Go ahead, sonny! I'm sure you mean well."
"Don't make any arrangements with Mr. Clayton to take your son till you have had a chance to talk over the matter with some one. I have a friend, a very experienced man, and I am sure his advice would be worth taking."
"You don't think there's anything wrong about Mr. Clayton, do you?" asked the farmer, startled.
"I don't say that, but if he wants you to pay him some money for giving your son a a place, don't do it till you have mentioned it to me."