"It's no use for you to talk to me, Gordon," replied Evenly, in a rough manner. "I've long wanted to get rid of you, and I have finally succeeded. Your place is filled. So there is no more to say on that subject. Good morning."
And the man turned on his heel and left Gordon standing half stupified at what he had heard.
"Rum's done the business for you at last, my lark! I told you it would come to this!" said an old fellow workman, who heard what passed between Gordon and the employer. He spoke in a light, insulting voice.
Without replying, the unhappy man left the shop, feeling more wretched than he had ever felt in his life.
"And thus I am met at my first effort to reform!" he murmured, bitterly.
"Hallo, Gordon! Where are you going?" cried a voice as these words fell from his lips.
He looked up and found himself opposite to the door of one of his old haunts. It was the keeper of it who had called him.
"Come! Walk in and let us see your pleasant face this morning. Where were you last night? My company all complained about your absence. We were as dull as a funeral."
"Curse you and your company too!" ejaculated Gordon between his teeth, and moved on, letting his eyes fall again to the pavement.
"Hey-day! What's the matter?"