With so much to think about, Larry could eat but little breakfast, and his appetite was not improved by the manifest distress of his mother and the taciturnity of his father.
"I WANT YOU TO TAKE THIS FELLOW AWAY FROM THE ENGINE
BEFORE WE'RE ALL BLOWN OUT OF THE BUILDING TO PAY FOR HIS CARELESSNESS."
"It is nearly six, Larry," reminded the latter, breaking the silence.
"Yes, sir. I will go right along."
He flung on his cap and buttoned up his coat, lingering at the door for a parting word from his father. But none came.
"What shall I say to Mr. Gardner?" Larry asked, unable to go without breaking the silence.
"You needn't say anything."
"But he may ask why you didn't come. He always does, unless you give notice the night before."
"Your mother told you I was going away, and that is enough for you to tell him. You needn't let it trouble you, anyway; just attend to your duties and say nothing to anybody. Remember that it is a responsible business to have full charge of a thousand-hose-power engine and nine boilers, and something that not many boys of seventeen are trusted to run even for a day or two at a time."