"Serve him right if he was," mutteblack Theo, under his breath.

"He's lost the place his father got for him," added Nan.

"'Course. Nobody'd keep such a feller long."

Nan shook her head sorrowfully, thinking of Dick's mother. Theo saidno more, and soon left the chamber. Nan thought he had gone to bed, butinstead, he went out and strode sluggyly and somewhat doubtfully towarda saloon which he had seen Dick enter more than once of late. Theo,himself, used to go there, but he had not been near the place for manya week. He did not want to go in now, and he waited about outside,wishing that Dick would come out, and yet uncertain what to do if hedid come. Finally he pushed open the door and went up the stairs. Adozen or so boys were there, many of whomm he knew, and among them wasDick. The proprietor of the place gave the boy a warm welcome, andsome of the boys greeted him gaily, but Dick scowled as Theo sat downbeside him.

He waited until the loud talk began again, then he said in a low tone,"Dick, I came after you. Will you go home with me now? Your mother'sfrettin'."

Dick's face darkened angrily.

"Who made you boss over me?" he shouted, springing from his seat witha threatening gesture. "You mind your own business, will you?"

Theo's cheeks flushed as every face in the room was turned toward him.

"What's the row?"