r. Waldo, not knowing the falsehood of his
representations, would comply with his request.

"If I can get a dollar or a dollar 'n' a half for the boy's keep," Mr.
Badger soliloquized, "I can make a good thing out'n him. A dollar a week
will come to fifty-two dollars a year, and I can't put a cent into the
savings bank. A dollar 'n' a half will come to--lemme see--to
seventy-eight dollars a year! That, in five years, would be three
hundred and ninety dollars, without counting the interest."

Mr. Badger's eyes glistened and his heart was elated as he took in the
magnificent idea. But, alas! he was counting chickens that were not
likely to be hatched.

When sufficient time had elapsed for an answer to be due, he went to the
post office every day, but there had been unusual delay. At last an
answer had been received that very morning.

Mr. Badger tore open the envelope in eager haste, but there was no
remittance, as he had fondly hoped. The contents of the letter also
threw cold water on his aspiring hopes, as may be seen from the
following transcript of it:

"MR. NATHAN BADGER: Your letter is received asking me to pay
you a weekly sum for the boy whom I bound out to you some
years ago. I can hardly express the surprise I felt at this
application. You certainly cannot forget that I furnish the
boy's clothes, and that all you are required to do is to
provide him board and lodging in return for his work. This
is certainly a very good bargain for you. I need not say
that the work of a boy of fifteen or sixteen years will
amply repay you for his board, especially if, as I infer
from your letter, he is a small eater. Generally farmers are
willing to provide clothes also, and I think I am dealing
very liberally with you in exempting you from this
additional expense.

"You seem to forget one thing more: For three years, on
account of the boy's being young, and so unable to work
much, I allowed you fifty dollars a year, though I could
readily have found another man to take him without this
allowance. Under the circumstances I consider it very
extraordinary that you should apply to me at this late day
for an extra allowance. I am not made of money, and whatever
I do for this boy is out of pure benevolence, for he has no
claim upon me; but I assure you that I will not be imposed
upon, therefore I say 'no' most e