CHAPTER IX.
AN UNEXPECTED CHARGE.
“MOTHER,” said Tom, the next morning when they met at the breakfast-table, “I have some bad news for you.”
“Bad news!” repeated Mrs. Thatcher, turning pale. “What is it?”
“Don’t let it trouble you too much, mother, for it doesn’t depress me.”
“Don’t keep me any longer in suspense, Tom,” said his mother, anxiously. “Whatever it is, let me know it at once.”
“Then,” said Tom, “I am out of work. Mr. Simpson has discharged me.”
“What for? Is business slack?” inquired Mrs. Thatcher.
“No, business is very good. The fact is, Mr. Simpson is angry with me.”
“Have you given him any cause, my son?”
“I will tell you all about it and let you judge. Last evening I called upon him and asked him questions about my father, and how much money he had when they parted in California.”