Mr. Archer¹'s flight made a great commotion² in Milltown. No one entertained a suspicion of his integrity. He had been appropriating the funds of the corporation to his own use, being treasurer³ as well as superintendent⁴. When exposure was inevitable⁵ he fled.

 

To Sam and his mother, it was a great blow, not only on account of the disgrace, but also because it involved poverty and a narrow style of living. To persons of their pretensions⁶ this was heavy to bear. They were not altogether penniless. Mrs. Archer had property of her own, to the amount of four thousand dollars, which was unimpaired. But, even at a liberal rate of interest, this would not support them. Sam remained in the house, dispirited and resentful against the father who had brought this upon him, till he got tired of confinement⁷ and walked out. He hoped to meet no one whom he knew, but at the corner of the street he fell in with James Watson.

 

"He is one of Ben Bradford's friends. He will rejoice at what has happened," thought Sam. But James stopped him, and said in a friendly tone: "Are you out for a walk, Sam? Let us walk together?"

 

"I didn't know as you'd care to walk with me."

 

"You don't think I rejoice over your misfortune?"

 

"I didn't know but you might. You are a friend of Ben Bradford."

 

"He will be very sorry. He won't think of any little difference there has been between you."

 

"I don't believe that," said Sam, shaking his head.

 

"You will, as soon as you see him. You mustn't lose courage, Sam. I know it's bad for you, but——"

 

"I don't know what's going to become of us," said Sam

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