“I haven’t any money in the bank, Father,” was Peter’s unwilling reply.
“What! Not a cent?”
Peter shook his head.
“Have you drawn it out and spent it all?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’m sorry to hear that—sorry, and a little disappointed. However, we mustn’t expect too much of you. Come now, what do you say to my proposition of returning to school?”
“I can’t do it, sir.”
“What!”
“I’m afraid you can’t quite understand, sir. You see Peter Coddington would like to go back, but Peter Strong won’t let him. Peter Strong must stay at the tannery, Father. He can’t leave. There are reasons why it isn’t possible,” Peter blurted out incoherently.
“What reasons?” demanded his father. “You’ve not been getting into trouble, Peter?”