When Mr. Jacobs returned from
his supper, Mr. Lord took him by the arm and walked him out toward
the rear of the tents; and Tony was very positive that he was to
be the subject of their conversation, which made him not a little
uneasy.
It was not until nearly time for the performance to begin that Mr.
Lord returned, and he had nothing to say to Toby save to tell him
to go into the tent and begin his work there. The boy was only
too glad to escape so easily, and he went to his work with as much
alacrity as if he were about entering upon some pleasure.
When he met Mr. Jacobs that gentleman spoke to him very sharply
about being late, and seemed to think it no excuse at all that he
had just been relieved from the outside work by Mr. Lord.
VII: AN ACCIDENT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
Toby's experience in the evening was very similar to that of the
afternoon, save that he was so fortunate as not to take any more
bad money in payment for his goods. Mr. Jacobs scolded and swore
alternately, and the boy really surprised him by his way of selling
goods, though he was very careful not to say anything about it,
but made Toby believe that he was doing only about half as much
work as he ought to do. Toby's private hoard of money was increased
that evening, by presents, ninety cents, and he began to look upon
himself as almost a rich man.
When the performance was nearly over Mr.
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