Ralph Raymond's Heir. Alger Horatio Jr.

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СКАЧАТЬ is this son?" asked the clerk, a little taken aback by this discovery, which was new to him.

      "He is now in my house."

      "And suppose the boy dies?"

      It was now Paul Morton's turn to hesitate.

      "That is not very probable," he said. "He is a strong, vigorous boy."

      "Who is to be his guardian?"

      "I am."

      "Indeed! And if he dies, is there no provision made as to the property?"

      "It will go to me, if he dies before attaining his majority."

      The clerk coughed—a little significant cough—which annoyed Mr. Morton not a little. It conveyed an imputation which he couldn't resent, because it was indirect.

      "I hope you are satisfied," he said at length.

      "Oh, certainly; that is, nearly so," said James Cromwell: "but then it is not enough that I should be satisfied."

      "Why not?"

      "My employer may not be."

      "Does your employer know who made the purchase?"

      "No, I have not as yet communicated the name to him."

      "Don't tell him, then. It is none of his business."

      "He will not agree with you there."

      "What matter if he does not?"

      "You must remember that I am a poor clerk, dependent on my salary, and that in my position, it is not safe to risk offending my employer. Suppose I am discharged from my position, how am I to live?"

      "Can you not procure another situation?"

      "Not if he refuses his recommendation, which would probably be the case. Besides, our business is crowded, and under the most favorable circumstances I might be weeks, and possibly months, without employment."

      Paul Morton leaned his head on his hand, and considered what was to be done with this difficult visitor. It was evident that he expected to be bought off and that he must be.

      "What wages do you get?" he asked, looking up.

      "Twenty dollars a week, sir," said Cromwell.

      As the reader knows, this was just double what he did receive, and as Mr. Morton was not likely to inquire of his employer, he felt that the lie was a safe one, and likely to conduce to his advantage.

      "Twenty dollars a week! Very well, I will tell you what you must do. In the first place, you must refuse to make your employer any communications respecting this affair."

      "Very well, sir."

      "And if he discharges you, I will pay you twenty dollars a week until you can get another situation. Perhaps I may find you some other employment, unless you prefer your present business."

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