Did not you place me under his care in order that I might learn ?" "And you refuse to do so ?" "No, sir: the reverse is the case: he refuses to teach me, and deprives me of my books, so that I cannot teach myself." "A very _probable_ tale," sneered Mr.Moncton; then rising from the table at which he was seated, he cried out hastily, "Is Mr.Jones in the study ?" "Yes, sir." "Then, my new client, come along with me.

I will soon learn the truth of your case." He clutched me by the arm, which he grasped so tightly that I could scarcely resist a cry of pain, and hurried me out.

In the study we found Theophilus and Mr.Jones: the one lounging on two chairs, the other smoking a cigar and reading a novel.

Mr.Moncton stood for a moment in the door-way, regarding the pair with his peculiar glance.
"Gentlemen, you seem _pleasantly_ and _profitably_ employed!" "Our morning tasks are concluded," said Theophilus, returning the stare of scrutiny with a steady lie.

"'Too much work would make Jack a dull boy.'" His father smiled grimly.