“You can’t have them, so there! You always want to do just your way, no matter what we want to do.”
“Did you hear what Father said this morning?” asked Austin.
“He didn’t say any more than he is always saying,” she said a little less fretfully.
“He will not have to say anything of the kind again, for I am going to find work and not coming back till I have it,” said Austin.
“Austin, you can’t go away. What shall we children do!” exclaimed Amy, all her vexation leaving at the thought.
“I do not know; but it can not be much worse than having Father so angry all the time. I will get work on the river if I can, and will see you all as often as possible,” answered Austin soothingly.
Amy said no more about the irons, but turned to her dish-washing with tearful eyes, her heart almost standing still at the thought of home without Austin. The other children who had heard the conversation stood about with consternation written on their little faces. Harry, who was a child to act when he thought he might help, hurried out to the engine-room and told his father what had occurred. Henry Hill was vexed because Austin’s wages no longer came in; but he had no thought of sending the boy away. He knew too well that Austin’s presence was needed in the home. But the seed of animosity that had been sown in his heart against Austin during the past summer was now bearing fruit, and he took a sort of pleasure in annoying the boy. He saw that Austin was sensitive about being dependent and he enjoyed seeing him wince. At Harry’s alarm he only grunted a word of disapproval and went on with his work. He believed Austin was only trying to bluff him. He did not think the boy could be driven away from the children.
An hour later Harry was back again at his father’s side, his face bathed in tears and his breast heaving with sobs. “Papa, Austin is going. He has his suitcase all packed and is ready to start.”
Henry Hill jumped to his feet, his face red with anger. Could it be possible that Austin had such an idea in his head? If so, he would soon frighten it out of him. This looked too much like defiance in the boy!
“I will show him how to run away, the rascal. Harry, go to the barn and bring the buggy whip,” and saying this the father rushed across the little opening between the two buildings and stamped into the kitchen. Austin was on his knees fastening his suitcase, which was all packed and ready for his start. He had not meant to bid his father good-by, nor to tell him any of his plans. He was too angry and his heart too defiant to want even to look at him again. When his father came in, Austin rose from his knees and faced him.