"So do I, and I," exclaimed one and another.

Ben received all these congratulations modestly.

"Go and congratulate Sam, boys," he said.

"A good scholar, but a mean boy," said James. "However, here goes."

"I congratulate you on your prize, Sam," he said offering his hand.

Sam did not appear to see the hand.

"A second prize isn't worth having," he said discontentedly. "Of
course it was all I had a chance for. Bradford is the teacher's
favorite."

"Do you mean to say Ben don't deserve the first prize?"

"He was sure to get it, anyhow."

"That's mean in you to speak so, Sam."

"It's what I think, at any rate."

"Well, Sam," said his father, as he entered his presence, "how is it?"

"Just as I expected, father. Old Taylor gave the first prize to his
favorite, Ben Bradford."

"After all the attention I have paid that man, it is positively
outrageous to defraud you of your rights."

"You won't have his salary increased now, will you, father?"

"I'll do what I can to have the man discharged."

"There's a favor I want to ask of you, father."

"What is it, my son?"

"I hear that Ben Bradford is going to seek employment in the mill,
now that school is over; I hope you'll refuse to take him on."

"I will. His prize will cost him dear."

"Would you have given him employment if I had beaten him for the prize?"

"Yes; business has revived, and we have decided to take on some
extra hands, giving preference to those who have formerly been in
our employ."

"Then I will be revenged, at any rate," said Sam.

Chapter XXII

Sam's Revenge

Now that vacation had fairly commenced, Ben thought he had better
make application for employment at the mills. It was generally
understood that business had improved and that new hands were to
be taken on.

On the morning succeeding the award of prizes, Ben presented
himself at the office of the superintendent.

After awhile the great man arrived. He nodded patronizingly to the
applicants for employment. He saw Ben in the number and his small
soul was rejoiced, for he meant to humiliate him.

He summoned one and another to a conference, engaging such as
were old hands.

Ben began to look hopeful. He, too, had experience.

At last Mr. Archer beckoned to him to approach.

"What do you wish?" he demanded.

"I should like employment at the mills," said Ben.

"Have you been in my employ before?"

"Yes, sir."

Mr. Archer opened a thick folio