“You are showing your hand pretty quick, young man. No sooner does Mr. Sands leave the city than you begin to put on your airs. I shall take care to report your conduct to him.”
“I have neither done nor said anything that I am ashamed to have reported to him.”
“Shut up!” said Moore, sharply.
Gilbert saw that there was no use in prolonging the dispute, and quietly went about his duties. While he was absent on an errand, a little later, his predecessor, John, looked in the door, and, seeing his cousin alone, entered.
“Good-morning, cousin Simon,” he said. “Where is Mr. Sands?”
“Gone to Washington.”
“He has? How long will he be gone?”
“A week perhaps.”
John’s eyes sparkled.
“That’s favorable for us, isn’t it?” he said.