the case, you have told me the truth, I consider you blameable in two
points only, first, in neglecting your work in the absence of your
employer, and, secondly, in allowing yourself to use disrespectful
language to him." While my mother was yet speaking, the door opened and
Farmer Judson entered the room, without the ceremony of knocking, and
began talking (as was his custom when angry) in a very loud and stormy
voice, "Pray be seated, Mr. Judson," said my mother, "and when you
become a little more composed I shall be pleased to listen to anything
you may wish to say." He did not take the proffered seat, but muttered
something about "people putting on airs," and turning sharply upon me,
he said, "I hain't got no more time to waste talkin, so get your hat and
come back to your work and no more about it." I did not move, but waited
for my mother to speak,--with a voice of much composure, she replied to
him, saying: "I have decided, Mr. Judson, that Walter had best not
return to you. Till last evening I have never from him heard the first
word of complaint;" in a straight forward manner she then repeated what
I had said upon my return home. "My son informs me," added my mother,
"that in more than one instance he has endured blows from you, and for
very little cause; had I before been aware of this he should have left
you at once; for my boy is not a slave to be driven with the lash. I
have no doubt that his conduct may in many instances have been
blameable. I am sorry that he allowed himself at the last to speak
disrespectfully to you, but you must be aware that his provocation
was great, and we must not look for perfection in a boy of thirteen.
Considering all things, I think he had best remain no longer in your
employ; for to subject him longer to a temper so capricious as yours,
would be, I fear, to injure his disposition."

Mr. Judson was unable to gainsay one word my mother had said, and to
conceal his mortification got into a towering passion, and used some