Pickley

"Perhaps they don't give him the credit he deserves," said Pickley, thinking he must say something in favor of the squire's son.

The Young Bridge-Tender or, Ralph Nelson's Upward Struggle Edward Stratemeyer 1896

"I trust so, Pickley," came the reply, in Squire Paget's well-known sharp tones.

The Young Bridge-Tender or, Ralph Nelson's Upward Struggle Edward Stratemeyer 1896

"Came down to get the run of things," returned Pickley.

The Young Bridge-Tender or, Ralph Nelson's Upward Struggle Edward Stratemeyer 1896

"What brings you, Pickley?" asked Ralph, after the latter had been watching him for some time.

The Young Bridge-Tender or, Ralph Nelson's Upward Struggle Edward Stratemeyer 1896

Ralph and Sanderson had their own opinion of Percy, and they did not care to argue with Pickley on the subject.

The Young Bridge-Tender or, Ralph Nelson's Upward Struggle Edward Stratemeyer 1896

Pickley had been both important and private, and he was afraid Ralph might have overheard more than he wished to become public.

The Young Bridge-Tender or, Ralph Nelson's Upward Struggle Edward Stratemeyer 1896

"Good-night, squire," was the reply, and then Pickley moved down the steps.

The Young Bridge-Tender or, Ralph Nelson's Upward Struggle Edward Stratemeyer 1896

"See anything of a runaway?" he cried, as he came up to Pickley.

The Young Bridge-Tender or, Ralph Nelson's Upward Struggle Edward Stratemeyer 1896

"You don't want to be a bit sociable," growled Pickley, and he turned away, but still kept on counting the passengers as they crossed.

The Young Bridge-Tender or, Ralph Nelson's Upward Struggle Edward Stratemeyer 1896

"Of course, I get pay for my trouble," went on Pickley, as he stepped to the doorway.

The Young Bridge-Tender or, Ralph Nelson's Upward Struggle Edward Stratemeyer 1896