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 for less than a man 's wages at first , of course . '' `` You wo n't work for any sort of wages from me , '' interrupted Timothy Robinson decidedly . `` I tell you plainly that I wo n't hire you . You 're the wrong man 's son for that . Your father was lazy and incompetent and , worst of all , untrustworthy . I did try to help him once , and all I got was loss and ingratitude . I want none of his kind around my place . I do n't believe in you , so you may as well take yourself off , Ellis . I 've no more time to waste . '' Ellis took himself off , his ears tingling . As he walked homeward his thoughts were very bitter .
All Uncle Timothy had said about his father was true , and Ellis realized what a count it was against him in his efforts XXXXX obtain employment .
about around as at by for if than that to