"There is no use in talking about that now," replied Eben. "Do you think Mr. Antis has promised this place to Tom Wilbur, Jeduthun?"
"I'm afraid he has, and I am dreadful sorry for it, for one. I don't believe he'll amount to shucks, and it would have been very nice to have you round, Eben."
"Thank you, Jeduthun. I am sure it would have been nice for me. But why don't you think Tom will amount to anything?"
Jeduthun did not exactly know, only he had a notion that Tom Wilbur hadn't "any snap" to him. "I wouldn't be afraid to bet something, if I ever did bet, that the old man left Tom to fasten up that horse. But come, we won't give it up yet. Come in and see the boss. Maybe he can find something else for you to do, and if he does, you wouldn't want to work for a better man."
Mr. Antis was very sorry as well as Jeduthun, for he knew and liked Eben.
"You are just the kind of boy I want," said he, "so I should think from what I have heard of you—but a promise is a promise, you know, Eben."
"Yes, sir, I know it," said Eben. "Of course, if you have promised Tom the place, that is all about it."
"I have promised to give him a trial," said Mr. Antis. "I can't tell how he will answer my purpose beforehand."
"You don't know of anything else for me to do, Mr. Antis?" asked Eben. "I am very anxious to get to work as soon as I can."
Mr. Antis rose and walked about the office considering. "Well, no, Eben—nothing, at least, that you would want to do."