his position in the middle of the road
and required Harry to do all the turning out. Of course you are aware
that the law will not sustain any one in this."

"Who told you that my son did not turn out?" asked Mrs. Ross, hastily.

"Harry himself."

"And do you credit his story?" demanded Mrs. Ross, with a sneer.

"I have always found him to be a boy of truth."

"I believe he has wilfully deceived you. I believe he ran into my boy
with the intention of injuring him," said Mrs. Ross, violently.

Harry was about to speak up, when a young man who was standing by saved
him the trouble.

"I was there, Mr. Mead, and heard the whole," he said, "though neither
of the boys saw me. I was in the piece to the left, behind the hedge.
Phil Ross wouldn't turn out a mite, and Harry had to do as he did. When
Phil was thrown out Harry got down from his team and went to see if he
was hurt."

Mrs. Ross listened, pale with anger.

"I don't believe a word of it!" she said angrily. "That man is in a
conspiracy with the Gilbert boy against my poor darling. I demand that
you discharge Harry Gilbert from your employment!"

"I am sorry to disoblige you, Mrs. Ross, but it would be unjust," said
Mr. Mead.

"Then we shall buy our groceries elsewhere!" said Mrs. Ross, spitefully
tossing her head.

"I shall be sorry to lose your custom, but I see no good reason for
discharging Harry."

Angrily Mrs. Ross left the store, a second time mortified at her want of
success.

"I am sorry, Mr. Mead, that you are likely to lose trade on my account,"
said Harry, with sincere regret.

Mr. Mead smiled.

"If Mrs. Ross leaves me she will have to go five miles for her
groceries," he said quietly. "We shall have them back again before
long."

CHAPTER IV

HARRY LOSES HIS PLACE, AFTER ALL

Mrs. Ross carried out her threat, and transferred her trade to a grocery
in the neighboring village, but not without considerable inconvenience.

Her pride compelled her to the course, notwithstanding the extra trouble
she incurred, and this, also, she laid up against Harry. Her husband was
opposed to any change, not being so spiteful as his wife, but allowed
her to have her way.

Meanwhile Mr. Mead, though he regretted to lose a good customer, did not
show any signs of financial weakness, and there seemed to be no prospect
of his failing.

Had he done so Mrs. Ross would have been overjoyed, for she was very
angry a