"
In the evening Deacon Pitkin came over to see Job Stanton, and
renewed his offer for Ben's services.
"The boy's got wild idees about pay," he said; "but boys haven't
much jedgment. You're a sensible man, Mr. Stanton, and you and me
can make a fair bargain."
"It won't be of much use, Deacon Pitkin. Ben's got his idees, an' he
sticks to 'em."
"But you're his uncle. You can make him see his true interest."
"Ben's young," said Job, suspending his work; "but he's got to look
out for himself. He may make mistakes, but I've promised not to
interfere. I've got confidence in him that he'll come out right in
the end. Truth is, deacon, he don't want to work at farmin', and
that's why he asked you such a steep price. He knew you wouldn't
agree to give it."
This put the matter in a new light, and Deacon Pitkin reluctantly
concluded that he must abandon the idea of obtaining Ben as a helper
on his farm.
CHAPTER III.
SAM STURGIS' NEW IDEA.
During the week which Ben had agreed to take before coming to a
final decision, he had another offer of employment.
This is how it came about:
A little out of the village, in a handsome house, the best in
Hampton, lived Major Sturgis, a wealthy landholder, who had plenty
to live upon and nothing in particular to do, except to look after
his property.
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