Nathan Gripp had not refused payment, he had only postponed² it, and as he had the decided³ advantage, which money always has when pitted against labor⁴, it would have been well to have been conciliatory. Now Gripp would undoubtedly⁵ annoy him with further delay, and refuse to give Mrs. Mordaunt any further work.

 

"I suppose I've acted like a fool," said Dan to himself, with compunction. "My spunk⁶ is always getting the better of me, and I am afraid poor mother will have to suffer. Well, there's no use crying for spilt milk; I must see what I can do to mend matters."

 

While these thoughts were passing through Dan's mind he found himself passing the clothing [Pg 32]establishment of Jackson & Co., who were special rivals of Mr. Gripp.

 

"Perhaps I can get some work for mother here," thought Dan. "I'll try, at any rate."

 

He entered, and looking about him, attracted the attention of a clerk.

 

"Do you want something in our line to-day?" asked the clerk, pleasantly.

 

"Yes, I do," said Dan, "if you're giving things away; but as I've got a note of ten thousand dollars to meet to-morrow, I can't pay anything out."

 

"Your credit ought to be good," said the salesman, smiling, "but we don't trust."

 

"All right," said Dan; "I may as well proceed to business. My mother makes vests for amusement. Can you give her any work?"

 

"I will speak to Mr. Jackson. One of our hands is sick, and if your mother understands how to do the work, we may be able to give her some."

 

The young man went to the rear of the store, and returned with the

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