"Where have you been, Harry?" asked Abner, when he entered the ostler's room.
"I have been out a little while."
"I know that. The old man wanted you; and when he couldn't find you, he was mad as thunder."
"Where is he?" said Harry, somewhat annoyed to find that, while he had been doing his duty in one direction, he had neglected his duty in another.
"In the counting room. You will catch fits for going off."
Whatever he should catch, he determined to "face the music," and left the room to find his employer.
CHAPTER XV
IN WHICH HARRY MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF A VERY IMPORTANT PERSONAGE
Major Phillips was in the counting room, where Harry, dreading his anger, presented himself before him. His employer was a violent man. He usually acted first, and thought the matter over afterwards; so that he frequently had occasion to undo what had been done in haste and passion. His heart was kind, but his temper generally had the first word.