"I may say he is positively impudent at times."
"That surprises me. He seems to me very unlikely to be guilty of such offenses."
"I dare say; he is very artful. I presume he is very respectful to you. That is policy."
"I should suppose he would consider it politic to be respectful to you also, Mr. Manson."
"All the other boys have, but this boy puts on a great many airs. In fact, he is mighty independent. I suppose it is on account of the extremely high wages he receives."
"Yes, ten dollars is very high pay for a boy of his age," admitted Mr. Bradford.
"Of course he doesn't earn it. He doesn't earn half as much."
"You may be right. I should not be inclined to pay another boy nearly as much."
Mr. Manson was sorry to hear this, as, could he obtain the position for Julius at ten dollars a week, his young nephew had agreed to pay him a commission of two dollars a week, which the book-keeper, being fond of money, was not above accepting.
"Have you any other complaints to make about Paul?" asked Mr. Bradford. "Doesn't he attend to his duties?"