CHAPTER II

THE STAINED SUIT

"Oscar tells me that you wish to see me, sir," said Joe, as he
entered the presence of his pompous employer.

Major Norton wheeled round in his armchair and looked at Joe over his
spectacles. He looked at Joe's clothes, too, and it did strike him
forcibly that they were very shabby. However, there was Oscar's
stained suit; which was entirely whole and of excellent cloth. As to
the stains, what right had a boy like Joe to be particular?

"Ahem!" said the major, clearing his throat. "Oscar tells me that
you are not satisfied with the clothes I have I given you."

"He has told you the truth, Major Norton," replied Joe bluntly. "If
you will look for yourself, I think you will see why I am
dissatisfied."

"Joseph," said the major, in a tone of disapproval, "you are too free
spoken. I understand you have been complaining to Doctor Raymond's
daughter of the way I dress you."

"Did Oscar tell you the way that happened?" inquired Joe.

"I apprehend he did not."

"When I was walking home with Miss Annie Raymond, Oscar came up and
insulted me, calling me a ragamuffin. I told him that, if I was a