"If you are trying to humbug me, you may as well give up the attempt. I wasn't born last year."
"I am neither crazy nor trying to humbug you," said Paul, with easy self-possession. "Mr. Bradford has kindly agreed to pay me ten dollars a week, and——"
"I never heard a more outrageous falsehood!" ejaculated Manson. "The idea of paying a raw, inexperienced boy ten dollars a week! Why, it is utterly ridiculous. I shall take care to report your attempted swindle to Mr. Bradford."
"Just as you like, Mr. Manson; but first, will you cast your eyes over this note?"
Paul produced a folded sheet of note-paper, and passed it to the book-keeper.
Manson read to his amazement these words over the signature of Alexander Bradford:
"I have fixed the wages of Paul Palmer at ten dollars per week, and you are authorized to pay him that sum."
"Where did you get this paper?" asked Manson.
"From Mr. Bradford."
"When?"