`` When I heard that lazy , worthless father of yours was dead , I expected you and your mother would be looking to me for help , '' Timothy Robinson went on harshly . `` But you 're mistaken if you think I 'll give it . You 've no claim on me , even if your father was my half-brother -- no claim at all . And I 'm not noted for charity . '' Timothy Robinson smiled grimly . It was very true that he was far from being noted for charity . His neighbours called him `` close '' and `` near . '' Some even went so far as to call him `` a miserly skinflint . '' But this was not true . It was , however , undeniable that Timothy Robinson kept a tight clutch on his purse-strings , and although he sometimes gave liberally enough to any cause which really appealed to him , such causes were few and far between . `` I am not asking for charity , Uncle Timothy , '' said Ellis quietly . He passed over the slur at his father in silence , deeply as he felt it , for , alas , he knew that it was only too true . `` I expect to support my mother by hard and honest work . And I am not asking you for work on the ground of our relationship . I heard you wanted a hired man , and I have come to you , as I should have gone to any other man about whom I had heard it , to ask you to hire me . '' `` Yes , I do want a man , '' said Uncle Timothy drily . `` A man -- not a half-grown boy of fourteen , not worth his salt . I want somebody able and willing to work . '' Again Ellis flushed deeply and again he controlled himself . `` I am willing to work , Uncle Timothy , and I think you would find me able also if you would try me .
I 'd work XXXXX less than a man 's wages at first , of course . ''
although at between by for if of on that to