While this conversation was going on Herbert had entered the tavern, but he could not avoid hearing what was said, including Mr. Holden's reply. He was not frightened, but inwardly determined that he would do his duty, and then if Mr. Holden saw fit to impose upon him, he would make what resistance he was able.
“I wonder what high notions he means,” thought our hero. “If he expects to make a slave of me, he will be mistaken, that's all.”
“Sit down there, and I'll go and order dinner,” said Mr. Holden, entering.
Just then, however, the landlord came in and greeted Abner Holden, whom he appeared to know.
“I want dinner for two, Mr. Robinson,” he said.
“For two! You haven't brought your wife along with you, Holden?” he said, jocosely.
“No, I haven't come across any such lady yet. I've got a boy here who is bound to me. And hark you, landlord,” he added, in a lower voice, that Herbert might not hear, “he will pay you for his dinner out of a five-dollar bill which he has with him. YOU NEEDN'T GIVE BACK THE CHANGE TO HIM, BUT TO ME.”
“Yes, I understand,” said the landlord, winking.
“I prefer to keep the money for him. He has refused to give it up and this will give me a chance to get hold of it without any fuss.”
“All right.”