“I am told, sir,” Thursday began, “that the people at the mill have boycotted this paper.”

“They’ve cancelled all their subscriptions,” replied Beth; “but as they had not paid for them it won’t hurt us any.”

“It seems the trouble started through your employing me,” resumed the young man; “so it will be best for you to let me go.”

“Never!” cried Mr. Merrick, firmly.  “Do you suppose I’ll allow that rascal Skeelty to dictate to us for a single minute?  Not by a jug full!  And the reason the men dislike you is because you pounded some of them unmercifully when they annoyed my girls.  Where did you learn to use your fists so cleverly, Smith?”

“I don’t know, sir.”

“Well, you have earned our gratitude, and we’re going to stand by you.  I don’t mind a bit of a row, when I’m on the right side of an argument.  Do you?”

“Not at all, sir; but the young ladies—­”

“They’re pretty good fighters, too; so don’t worry.”

Thursday was silent a moment.  Then he said: 

“Fitzgerald and Doane tell me they’re going to quit, Saturday.”

“It is true,” replied Patsy.  “I’m sorry, for they seem good men and we may have trouble replacing them.”

“They are not needed here, Miss Doyle,” said Smith.  “There isn’t a great deal of electrotyping to do, or much job printing.  More than half the time the two men are idle.  It’s the same way with my own job.  Three hours a day will take care of the press and make the regular run.  If you will permit me, I am sure I can attend to all the work, unaided.”

They looked at one another in amazement.

“How about the make-up?” asked Uncle John.

“I can manage that easily, sir.  I’ve been watching the operation and understand it perfectly.”

“And you believe you can do the work of three men?”

“Three men were unnecessary in a small plant like this, sir.  Whoever sent them to you did not understand very well your requirements.  I’ve been watching the compositors, too, and your three girls are one too many.  Two are sisters, and can set all the type very easily.  I recommend that you send the other back to New York.”

They considered this advice seriously.

“I think Mr. Smith is right,” observed Patsy.  “The girls have not seemed busy, at all, and spend most of their time laughing and talking together.”

“It will cut down expenses a lot,” said Beth, “and I’m sure we ought to be able to run this paper more economically than we have been doing.”

Uncle John looked at the man thoughtfully.

“Where did you learn the printing business?” he asked.

“I—­I don’t know, sir.”

“What offices have you worked in?”

“I cannot tell you that, sir.”

“You seem to answer all my questions with the statement that you ’don’t know,’” asserted Mr. Merrick, with an annoyed frown.  “Is there any reason you should refuse to tell us of your former life?”