pect it.

What that trouble was will be disclosed in the next chapter.

CHAPTER VIII.

DISCHARGED.

Three days later, while on his way to the factory, Bert overtook Luke
Crandall, who was employed like himself in pegging shoes.

"Have you heard the news, Bert?" asked his friend.

"No; what is it?"

"All the peggers are to be discharged; you and I, and the two other
boys."

"Is that true?" asked Bert, stopping short, and surveying his friend
with a look of dismay.

"Yes; I wish it wasn't."

"What is the reason?"

"The squire has bought a pegging machine, and he has hired a man from
out of town to run it. So he will have no need of us."

"How soon is he going to put it in?" asked Bert, with a sinking heart.

"Next Monday. At the end of this week we shall be discharged."

"What are you going to do?" Bert inquired, after a pause.

"I shall be all right. I have an uncle who keeps a store in Bradford,
and I am going there to tend in the store, and shall board in the
family. What shall you do?"

"I don't know," answered Bert soberly. "This has come on me so suddenly,
that I haven't had time to think."

"There's precious little chance for a boy in Lakeville, unless he goes
to work on a farm."

"I don't even know if there is a chance to do that. All the farmers are
supplied with help. Besides, they generally pay a boy in his board and
clothes, and I need money to help support my mother."

"Isn't old Marlowe your uncle?"

"No, but he is my mother's cousin."

"Then he ought to do something for you out of relationship."

"I don't expect it," answered Bert. "He appears to feel very little
interest in us."

They had reached the factory, and entering, were soon at work. Before
noon the bad news was confirmed, and the boys were informed that their
services would not be required after Saturday night.

At dinner Bert informed his mother, and she too was dismayed. It was a
calamity she had never dreamed of. She supposed Bert was sure of
continued employment in pegging till he was old enough to be employed in
some other part of the business.

"I don't see what we shall do, Bert," she said. "There is no other shop
in Lakeville. If there were, you might get a chance there."

"There is no business of any kind here outside of Marlowe's shop."

"True. What are the other boys going to do?"

"Luke Crandall is going into his uncle's shop at Bradford, and the other
two boys talk of leaving town."

"I d