"I shall be at work all next week, at much higher pay, for Silas Greyson." "How much does he pay you ?" "That is my private business, and wouldn't interest you." "You're mighty independent for a boy in your position." "Very likely.

Won't you come in ?" "No," answered Tom ungraciously; "I've wasted too much time here already." "I understand Tom's object in wanting to hire me," thought Ben.

"He wants to order me around.

Still, if the squire had been willing to pay a decent price, I would have accepted the job.

I won't let pride stand in the way of my supporting mother and myself." This was a sensible and praiseworthy resolution, as I hope my young readers will admit.