That night Toby took supper with the skeleton and his wife, and he
enjoyed the meal, even though it was made from what had been left
of the turkey that served as the noonday feast, more than he did
the state dinner, where he was obliged to pay for what he ate by
the torture of making a speech.
There were no guests but Toby present; and Mr. and Mrs. Treat were
not only very kind, but so attentive that he was actually afraid
he should eat so much as to stand in need of some of the catnip
tea which Mrs. Treat had said she gave to her husband when he had
been equally foolish. The skeleton would pile his plate high with
turkey bones from one side, and the fat lady would heap it up,
whenever she could find a chance, with all sorts of food from the
other, until Toby pushed back his chair, his appetite completely
satisfied, if it never had been so before.
Toby had discussed the temper of his employer with his host and
hostess, and, after some considerable conversation, confided in
them his determination to run away.
"I'd hate awfully to have you go," said Mrs. Treat, reflectively;
"but it's a good deal better for you to get away from that Job Lord
if you can. It wouldn't do to let him know that you had any idea
of goin', for he'd watch you as a cat watches a mouse, an never let
you go so long as he saw a chance to keep you. I heard him tellin'
one of the drivers the other day that you sold more goods than any
other boy he ever had, an' he was going to keep you with him all
summer.
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