oker. "I am sure that is not very early for any one."

"'Tain't my fault when it snows like this," returned the boy. "My aunt
ought to call me."

"Did you arrange that file of papers yesterday afternoon after I left?"
continued Mr. Sumner.

"I was going to do that this morning."

"I told you to do it yesterday. You had plenty of time."

"I ain't got nothing to do this morning."

"There are a great number of things to do, Ferris, but evidently you are
not the boy who cares to do them. I warned you only a week ago that you
must mend your ways. I think hereafter we will dispense with your
service. Mr. Hardwick, please pay him his wages in full for the week. We
will get some one else to fill his position."

Mr. Sumner turned to the rear office.

"I don't care," muttered Ferris. "Hand over the stuff," he said to
Hardwick.

Having received his money, he calmly lit a cigarette, puffed away upon
it for a minute, and then went out slamming the door as hard as possible
after him.

Hal was already at work, clearing away the snow at a lively rate. Ferris
approached him.

"Say, are you the fellow that did me out of my job?" he asked, savagely.

"I haven't done any one out of a job," returned Hal. "Do you work here?"

"I did, but I don't any more."

"Why not?"

"Because old Sumner expects the earth from me and he can't get it; see?"
Ferris winked one eye. "I'm too smart to allow myself to be stepped
onto, I am. You had better quit working; he won't pay you much for your
trouble."

"I'll risk it," replied Hal.

"If I find you played me foul, I'll break you all up," went on Ferris.
And with this threat he hurried off.

Hal looked after the boy for an instant and then continued his work. The
sidewalk was soon cleaned, and he returned to the office.

Hardwick let him in behind the railing, giving him a sharp look as he
passed.

"I've seen him somewhere before," he muttered to himself, as he
continued at his books. "But where I can't remember."

"What! done already?" exclaimed Mr. Sumner to Hal.

"Yes, sir."

"It didn't take long."

"It wasn't much of a job, sir."

"Ferris would have taken all of the morning."

"Was that the boy who just left?"

"Yes."

"He said he would whip me if I played him foul."

"Humph! He is a bad boy. You must be careful, and not get into any
trouble."

"I will, sir. But I am not afraid of him."

"No; you look as if you could take care of yourself." Mr. Sumner rubbed
hi