While deliberating upon what to do the office boy appeared.
"Mr. Mann wants you down in his office right away," he said to Richard.
"What, again?"
"Yes, sir. Told me to tell you to come right down."
"Oh, Frank, I'm sure something is wrong!" cried Richard, when the boy
was gone.
"It looks so," replied the stock-clerk. "Never mind. Remember you are
in the right, and keep a stiff upper lip."
Much troubled in mind, Richard slowly descended the steps, and entered
Mr. Mann's office. As before the gentleman was alone.
"You wish to see me, sir?" began Richard, and somehow his voice trembled
in spite of himself.
"Yes, I do," replied Mr. Mann coldly. "I wish to tell you that your
services are no longer required. Here is your salary for this week.
You can leave at once."
Had Richard been struck in the face he would not have been more taken
aback than he was by this short and cold speech.
"But--Mr. Mann--I--" he began.
"I want no words with you," interrupted the merchant. "You understand
why you are discharged as well as I do."
"Yes, but I'm sure--"
"No words, sir. Don't you understand me? I wish you to leave instantly,"
cried Mr. Mann irascibly.
Richard colored.
"I'll go," he said. "But let me say that I consider you are treating
me very unfairly.
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