"You're very kind, Mr. Bickford, but they won't keep me for nothing, and I don't want you to pay for me."
At this moment the landlord came out on the piazza, and asked the hostler:
"Where's Sam?"
"Gone home—says he's sick," answered James.
"Drat that boy! It's my opinion he was born lazy. That's what's the matter with him."
"I guess you're right, Mr. Porter," said James. "The boy don't earn his salt."
"I wouldn't take him back if I had anybody to take his place."
"Do you hear that, Tony?" said the peddler, nudging our hero.
Tony was quick to take the hint.