Herbert Carter's Legacy; Or, the Inventor's Son by Jr. Horatio Alger (top reads .TXT) ๐
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- Author: Jr. Horatio Alger
Read book online ยซHerbert Carter's Legacy; Or, the Inventor's Son by Jr. Horatio Alger (top reads .TXT) ๐ยป. Author - Jr. Horatio Alger
โWhat could he do with it? He couldn't live in it himself.โ
โNot much. I can imagine the look of disgust James's face would wear at the idea of such a thing. He wanted it for Nahum Brown, who lives in the old house up the road. You know Brown, who is a cousin of Mr. Banks, the superintendent, and he is very anxious to get hold of our house.โ
โHow did you learn all this, Herbert? I never knew it before.โ
โTom Banks let it out one day.โ
โI don't see how the squire can dislike us for wanting to stay in our old home.โ
โThere are a good many things you don't understandโabout selfish menโmother. That is why I am afraid it won't be much use to ask the squire for employment.โ
โYou may be mistaken about his feelings, Herbert.โ
โAt any rate, I'll go to him, if I can't find employment anywhere else in the village.โ
โI wish you would, that is, if you don't think farm work will be too hard for you.โ
โI'll risk that.โ
In pursuance of this promise, Herbert, after ascertaining that there was no work to be had anywhere else in the village, called one fine morning at the imposing residence of Squire Leech.
James was in the yard, at work on a kite.
โHave you come to see me?โ said James, superciliously.
โNo; I wanted to see your father.โ
โWhat about?โ
Herbert was about to answer โon business,โ but it occurred to him that it would be better policy to keep on friendly terms with James, and he said: โI am looking for work, and I thought he might have some for me.โ
โPerhaps so,โ said James, patronizingly. โOf course, one in your position must work for a living.โ
โDon't you expect to work?โ asked Herbert, in some curiosity.
โNot with my hands, of course,โ said James. โI may study some genteel profession, such as law.โ
โI am too poor to be genteel,โ said Herbert, amused.
โOf course. You will probably be a day laborer.โ
โI hope to rise to something better in time,โ said Herbert. โFor the present I shall be glad to work by the day, or the month, if your father will engage me.โ
โI think my father is at home; you can ring and see,โ said James, who could be kind to one who was willing to acknowledge his inferiority.
Herbert rang the bell, and was ushered into the presence of Squire Leech, who was examining some papers in the back parlor.
CHAPTER XII POOR AND PROUD
โGood morning, Squire Leech,โ said Herbert, politely.
โGood morning,โ said the squire, jumping to the conclusion that the Carters had made up their minds to sell their place. โDo you wish to see me?โ
โYes, sir; I hope I don't interrupt you.โ
โGo on,โ said the squire, waving his hand. โI am busy, to be sure, but I can give you a few minutes.โ
He resolved to take advantage of Mrs. Carter's necessities, and make a smaller offer for the place. In this way he would make her suffer for her former obstinate refusal to entertain his proposition.
His face fell when Herbert said: โI came to ask you if you could give me employment on one of your farms. My mother has been sick, and I feel that I ought to be doing something to earn money.โ
โAhem!โ said the squire, โI leave all such matters to Mr. Banks. Was that all you wished to say to me?โ
โI believe so,โ said Herbert. โWill there be any use in applying to Mr. Banks?โ
โI don't know whether he has got help enough or not. Your mother has been sick, hasn't she?โ
โYes, sir; all winter.โ
โI heard of it. I suppose you found it expensive, eh?โ
โYes, sir. Neither of us could earn anything.โ
โYou are in debt, then?โ
โNo, sir. My uncle left us some money last year. That kept us along.โ
โIt's pretty much used up now, I suppose?โ
โNot quite.โ
Herbert was inclined to be surprised at the squire's apparent interest in their affairs, but the motive soon became apparent.
โWell, you have made up your mind to sell the house now, I suppose?โ said the squire.
โNo, we hadn't thought of it.โ
โBut you'll have to.โ
โNot if I can get employment,โ said Herbert. โOur expenses are very small, and we can live on a little.โ
The great man frowned. โThat is all nonsense,โ he said, impatiently. โIt is quite impossible for you to hold on to the house. I am willing to give you cash down three hundred dollars over and above the mortgage for it.โ
โThat isn't as much as you offered last year,โ said Herbert, shrewdly.
โI believe I did offer three hundred and fifty then.โ
โYour last offer was fifty dollars more than that.โ
โIt may be so, but I told your mother that it wasn't a standing offer. She must accept it then or not at all.โ
โWe don't ask you to purchase,โ said Herbert, independently. โI had no idea of such a thing when I came here.โ
โThat makes no difference. You will have to sell, of course, and I have made up my mind to offer you three hundred and fifty. If you had taken me up at the time, I would have given you fifty more. You can't expect that now, however.โ
โWe don't expect anything. The house is not for sale.โ
โThen, why are you taking up my valuable time?โ demanded the squire, frowning with displeasure.
โI beg your pardon, sir. I only came in to ask for employment.โ
โThat I might have given you,
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