"If my father treated me like that, I'd cut his acquaintance."
"I don't know as that would do me any good," said Joshua, rather sensibly. "I wish I knew of any way of getting some money."
"You might hire out to saw wood for the neighbors," said Sam.
"I haven't got so low as that," said Joshua, haughtily.
"Of course I meant that in joke; but you might get a place, and earn some money."
This suggestion, however, did not suit Joshua, for it carried with it the idea of work, and he was as lazy as he was selfish; which is saying as much as can well be said on that point.
"The old man ought to give me enough to spend, without work," he said. "He don't spend more than a third of his income."
"He's saving it up for you."
"I'm not likely to get it for a good many years," said Joshua, who actually seemed to be angry with his father for living so long. However, though it is doubtful whether Joshua would have been a dutiful or affectionate son under any circumstances, it must be admitted that Mr. Drummond had done very little to inspire filial affection.