His chance of being free from his own conscience was still remote enough.
During these days, too, Foxy reveled in his power over his rival, and ground his slave in bitter bondage, subjecting him to such humiliation as made the school wonder and Hughie writhe; and if ever Hughie showed any sign of resentment or rebellion, Foxy could tame him to groveling submission by a single word.

"Well, I guess I'll go down to-night to see your mother," was all he needed to say to make Hughie grovel again.
For with Hughie it was not the fear of his father's wrath and heavy punishment, though that was terrible enough, but the dread that his mother should know, that made him grovel before his tyrant, and wake at night in a cold sweat.

His mother's tender anxiety for his pale face and gloomy looks only added to the misery of his heart.
He had no one in whom he could confide.

He could not tell any of the boys, for he was unwilling to lose their esteem, besides, it was none of their business; he was terrified of his father's wrath, and from his mother, his usual and unfailing resort in every trouble of his whole life, he was now separated by his terrible secret.
Then Foxy began to insist upon payment of his debts.

Spring was at hand, the store would soon be closed up, for business was slack in the summer, and besides, Foxy had other use for his money.
"Haven't you got any money at all in your house ?" Foxy sneered one day, when Hughie was declaring his inability to meet his debts.
"Of course we have," cried Hughie, indignantly.
"Don't believe it," said Foxy, contemptuously.
"Father's drawer is sometimes full of dimes and half-dimes.