“I hear you, but I don’t understand you,” said Tom, considerably surprised.
“I believe I speak plain English. Leave that, and come along.”
Tom began to think his employer very unreasonable, but as he accepted wages from him he did not think it wise to quarrel. So he resumed his march, but did not attempt to speak to his companion.
Presently the road entered a wood. It was already dusk, and the trees, though leafless, still contributed to deepen the darkness which surrounded them.
CHAPTER XXVI.
PERCY BURNETT UNMASKS.
AS TOM plodded along beside his employer, who did not deign to utter a word, he could not help doubting whether he had done wisely in selling his independence for twelve dollars a week. Had he understood Burnett’s real character and disposition, he would not have engaged with him. As matters stood he thought it best to remain for the present in his service.
“Mr. Burnett may be annoyed about something, and that may be the reason of his being so cross,” Tom reflected. “To-morrow he may be different.”
Tom was destined soon to be undeceived, and in a manner far from pleasant.
The wood through which they were passing was about a mile in width. When they had reached the middle point, Burnett halted.