“Never mind,” said he, “I don’t want no pay.”
“Why not? You have earned it,” said Gilbert, wondering at the refusal.
“You’re bounced, and aint got no money to spare. I’ll wait till you’ve got your place again.”
“You are very kind,” said Gilbert, grateful for the considerate sympathy of his humble present; “but I am not so badly off as some, for I have no board to pay. You’d better take the money.”
“I’ll take five cents,” said Tom; “that’ll be enough. I’d rather work for you for nothin’ than for that other feller for full price.”
“You don’t like him, then? Did he ever employ you?”
“He kicked me yesterday; but I got even with him,” he added, in a tone of satisfaction.
“How did you get even with him?”
“I blacked his face for him,” said Tom, brandishing the brush.
Gilbert laughed.