"I am glad to hear this, being principally interested in
the matter. However, I never should have suspected you.
I claim to be something of a judge of character and physiognomy,
and your appearance is in your favor. Your mother is a widow,
I believe?"
"Yes, sir."
"And you are the janitor of the schoolhouse?"
Mr. Armstrong was a close observer, and though having large
interests of his own, made himself familiar with the affairs of
those whom others in his position would wholly have ignored.
"I was janitor," Luke replied, "but when Mr. Duncan became
a member of the school committee he removed me."
"For what reason?" asked Mr. Armstrong quickly.
"I don't think he ever liked me, and his son Randolph and
I have never been good friends."
"You mean Mr. Duncan, the president of the bank?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Why are not you and his son friends?"
"I don't know, sir. He has always been in the habit of
sneering at me as a poor boy--a working boy--and unworthy
to associate with him."
"You don't look like a poor boy. You are better dressed than
I was at your age. Besides, you have a watch, I judge from
the chain."
"Yes, sir; but all that is only lately.
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