Manning was not at home.
Frank went out to the stable at once to see Richard Green, the coachman.
He found him, indeed, but he also found another man, a stranger, who
appeared to be employed in the stable.
"Who is this, Richard?" asked Frank.
"My successor," answered the coachman.
"Are you going to leave?" asked Frank, hastily.
"Come out with me, Mr. Frank, and I will tell you," said Richard. "I've
had notice to leave," he said, "and so has Deborah. It came last
evening. Mr. Manning got a letter from Bridgeville--I know that, because
I brought it home from the post office--which appeared to make him
angry. He called Deborah and me and told us that he should not need our
services any longer."
"Did he give you any reason?"
"Yes; he said that he could have our places filled for a good deal less
money, and he had no doubt we could do as well elsewhere."
"He has filled your place pretty soon."
"Yes. This man came this morning. I think Mr. Manning had sent for him
already. I told you the other day we should soon be discharged."
"I know it; but I can tell you what has hastened it."
"What, then?"
"Mark wrote his father that I had learned about the sale of Ajax, and
that the information came from you or Deborah.
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