“That is right. If you get into any trouble with him while I am away, come to me after I return, and tell me all about it.”
Gilbert looked surprised, but of course promised to do so.
“I shall try not to get into any disturbance,” he said.
“I hope you won’t, but I fancy you will,” said his employer.
“I hope you don’t think I am quarrelsome, Mr. Sands.”
“No, that is not my reason. I will say no more at present, except to request you, if anything happens, to give me a truthful and detailed account of it when I return.”
“Thank you, sir, I will,” said Gilbert, who, though puzzled, felt that his employer was friendly towards him.
Gilbert waited till the boat started, and then returned to the office. He regretted Mr. Sands’ absence, for something told him that Mr. Moore would make it very disagreeable for him while he was gone. Indeed, the book-keeper was not long in showing his state of feeling towards our hero. As Gilbert entered, he looked up sharply from his desk.
“So you are back at last?” he said unpleasantly.
“Yes, sir,” answered Gilbert.