Part 1 (2/2)
The collapse of the new lu away of its head man, Aaron Jackson, had proved a serious blow to their prospects
As has been intimated, the company owed them two hundred dollars for ti, they found themselves in debt, not only for the quarter's rent for the land they orking, but also at the general supply store at the village of Basco, three miles away The boys had worked hard, early and late, to make both ends meet, and it certainly looked as if they did not deserve the hard luck which had befallen them
It was supper time, and the pair had just finished a scanty meal of beans, bread, and the reh to catch before breakfast Randy threw himself down on the doorstep, while Earl washed and dried the few dishes
”I wonder if we can't get soer brother, as he gazedand heeling ”They've lots of tie to some Boston concern,” replied Earl ”I asked Squire Dobson about it He said we shouldn't get a penny”
”Humph!” Randy drew a deep breath ”By the way, has Squire Dobson learned anything about Fred, yet?”
”He's pretty sure Fred ran away to New York”
”I can't understand why he should run away fro it”
”He ran away because he didn't want to finish studying Fred alas a wild dick I shouldn't wonder if he ended up by going out West to hunt Indians” Earl gave a short laugh ”He'll have his eye-teeth cut one of these days Hullo, here co road through the woods, and, gazing in the direction, Randy saw a tall, lean individual, astride a bony horse, riding swiftly toward the cabin
”Well, boys, what's the best word?” was the sharp greeting given by Caleb Norcross, as he came to a halt at the cabin door
”I don't know as there is any best word, Mr Norcross,” replied Earl, quietly
”I was over to Bill Stiger's place and thought if I could see you to-night about the rent money, it would save you a three miles' trip to-morrow”
”You knoe can't pay you just at present, Mr Norcross,” went on Earl
”The suspension of the lumber company has left us in the lurch”
The face of the tall, lean man darkened ”How much did they stick you for?” he asked abruptly
”Two hundred dollars”
”Two hundred dollars! You were fools to trust 'em that much I wouldn't have trusted 'em a cent--not a penny”
”They ell recommended,” put in Randy ”Even Squire Dobson trusted them”
”That don't make no difference I don't trust folks unless I knohat I'h I did trust you boys,” added Caleb Norcross, hastily ”Your father was always a straightby the insinuation
”You shall have your ive us a little tiet it?”
”We'll earn it,” said Earl ”I ah timber by fall to square accounts”
”That won't do for me--not at all If you can't pay up to-morrow, you can consider your claim on the land at an end”