, about your debt
to Squire Green. If I have steady work, and keep my health, I shall have
enough to pay it by the time it comes due."

CHAPTER XIV. THE TAILOR'S CUSTOMER

At the end of six weeks from the date of Robert's departure, Harry had
been paid eighteen dollars. Of this sum he had spent but one dollar,
and kept the balance in his pocketbook. He did not care to send it home
until he had enough to meet Squire Green's demand, knowing that his
father would be able to meet his ordinary expenses. Chiefly through the
reports of Luke Harrison he was acquiring the reputation of meanness,
though, as we know, he was far from deserving it.

"See how the fellow dresses," said Luke, contemptuously, to two of his
companions one evening. "His clothes are shabby enough, and he hasn't
got an overcoat at all. He hoards his money, and is too stingy to buy
one. See, there he comes, buttoned to the chin to keep warm, and
I suppose he has more money in his pocketbook than the whole of us
together. I wouldn't be as mean as he is for a hundred dollars."

"You'd rather get trusted for your clothes than do without them," said
Frank Heath, slyly; for he happened to know that Luke had run up a bill
with the tailor, about which the latter was getting anxious.

"What if I do," said Luke, sharply, "as long as I am going to pay for
them?"

"Oh, nothing," said Frank. "I didn't say anything against it, did I? I
suppose you are as able to owe the tailor as anyone."

By this time, Harry had come up.

"Where are you going, Walton?" asked Luke. "You look cold."

"Yes, it's a cold day."

"Left your overcoat at home, didn't you?"

Harry colored. The fact was, he felt the need of an overcoat, but didn't
know how to manage getting one. At the lowest calculation, it would cost
all the money he had saved up for one, and the purchase would defeat all
his plans. The one he had worn at home during the previous winter was
too small for him, and had been given to his brother.

"If I only could get through the winter without one," he thought, "I
should be all right." But a New England winter is not to be braved
with impunity, useless protected by adequate clothing. Luke's sneer was
therefore not without effect. But he answered, quietly: "I did not leave
it at home, for I have none to leave."

"I suppose you are bound to the tailor's to order one."

"What makes you think so?" asked Harry.

"You are not such a fool as to go without one