CHAPTER XI
A CRISIS
Abner Holden's disappointment was excessive at the sudden falling through of his horse trade, and his feeling of anger against Herbert for his agency in the matter was in proportion to his disappointment. His chief thought, as he hurried home from the tavern, was that he would make the boy smart for his interference.
“I'll give him a good flogging,” muttered Abner to himself, and he felt that this would be some slight compensation for the injury and slight loss which Herbert had caused him to sustain.
“I'll teach him to spoil my bargains,” he said, while his face wore an expression decidedly ugly. “I reckon he won't do it a second time.”
It was in this frame of mind that he reached home.
Herbert had just entered the kitchen with an armful of wood for the housekeeper, and having thrown down his burden, was about to go back, when, on turning, he confronted the stormy and wrathful face of his employer.
“He's found out,” Herbert concluded at once, and he braced his nerves for the storm which he knew must come.
“Well, young man, I've an account to settle with you,” said Abner, abruptly.