Joe Tucker approached Philip, and was about to lay hold of him, when our hero started back.
“You needn’t lay hold of me, Mr. Tucker,” he said. “I will get into the wagon if Squire Pope insists upon it.”
“I’m glad you’re gettin’ sensible,” said the squire, congratulating himself on finding Philip more tractable than he expected.
“And you will go to the poorhouse peaceful, and without making a fuss?” asked Joe.
“Yes, I will go there; but I won’t stay there.”
“You won’t stay there!” ejaculated the squire.
“No, sir! In treating me as a dependent on charity, you are doing what neither you nor any other man has a right to do,” said Philip firmly.
“You don’t appear to remember that I am a selectman and overseer of the poor,” said the Squire.
“I am aware that you hold those offices; but if so, you ought to save money to the town, and not compel them to pay for my support, when I am willing and able to support myself.”
Squire Pope looked a little puzzled. This was putting the matter in a new light, and he could not help admitting to himself that Philip was correct, and that perhaps his fellow citizens might take the same view.