“I’m going back on the team?” he cried joyously.
“You are going to work!” was the sharp retort.
“What!”
“I have been very busy during the last two hours,” continued Mr. Coddington. “I have got for you the first, last, and only job I shall ever get. It is up to you now.”
“But I don’t understand,” protested Peter, aghast.
“Why not? It is not a difficult thing to comprehend. You have fooled away your days and my money long enough. Life is a serious business—not a game. It is time you took it in earnest. To-morrow morning at eight o’clock you are going to work, and you must make good at the position I’ve found for you, or you will lose your place. If you do I shall not lift a finger to help you to find another.”
A great lump rose in Peter’s throat but he managed to choke it back.
“Where am I going?” he gasped when he was able to speak.