Fortunately, the baby Badger was better, and its mother was disposed to be accommodating.
"And do your very best, ma," begged Eben. "Make a chicken pie, and the very best pudding you can, and see if you can't sweeten the old gentleman up a little, for he needs it."
"I'll try," said Mrs. Fairchild. "I guess I'll make a nice light pudding. Men are just like children. You can stop their mouths quicker with a cake than you can with a stick, any day." With which highly improper sentiment, wholly subversive of all good discipline, Mrs. Fairchild put on her hood and shawl, and was soon enjoying her favourite pursuit of cooking a good dinner.
The first sound Eben heard as he re-entered the mill and began sorting his bags was his own name. The door was open, so he could not help hearing what went on, and it seemed, from the tone in which Mr. Francis spoke, that he at least had no objection to be overheard. Eben had no difficulty in understanding the conversation. In the course of his investigations, Mr. Francis had discovered Eben's neglect about the letters, and the trouble and possible loss which had resulted therefrom.
"Perfect folly to put such a boy in such a place," he was saying. "I should think anybody might have known it. What you wanted was a responsible clerk, and not a mere lad, and such an untrustworthy lad as this seems to be. I must say I never heard of a more absurd arrangement in my life."
"I consulted you about the arrangement at the time, you know, Mr. Francis," said Mr. Antis. "Eben had lived with me four months, and I had found him perfectly faithful. If you will remember, I did nothing in the matter without asking you, and waited for three weeks that I might hear from you before engaging Eben." So that had been the cause of the delay. But Mr. Francis was speaking again:
"I know that, Mr. Antis. No need to remind me of it, sir. I have not quite lost my memory yet, I believe. I also remember telling you that I thought it a risk to engage such a young lad, but you must use your own judgment. It is evident that the boy is utterly unfit for the place—that he cannot be trusted to do the simplest business properly."
Eben's heart sunk as he heard these words. At that moment Mr. Francis caught sight of him through the open door.
"Come here, sir," he said, in a harsh voice; and as Eben obeyed, "So I understand all this trouble comes from your carelessness! Do you think that is the way to treat your employer?"
"No, sir," answered Eben, promptly.