At length, I again called upon him and found him still
in the employment of the gentleman aforenamed. On inquiring the reason
of his delay, I was informed that on completing his former engagement
the gentleman had concluded to have more done than he originally
intended, and insisted upon the continuance of the mechanic in his
service until his work was entirely finished.
I said to him, "But did you not agree with me for a specified day?"
"Yes."
"Did not your engagement with Mr. ---- terminate on the evening previous
to that day?"
"Yes."
"Were you under obligation to that gentleman beyond that time?"
"No."
"Did not your continuance with him involve a violation of your promise
to me?"
"Yes."
"Was not this wrong? and how are you able to justify your conduct?"
"Sir," said he, "you do not understand the matter. I am to blame, but my
employer is still more to blame. Look at it. I am a mechanic and a poor
man. I am dependent on my labor for the support of myself and family.
This gentleman is rich, and gives me a great deal of employment; I do
not like to disoblige him, and, sir, when I told him, on the termination
of my engagement to him, that I had promised to enter upon a piece of
work for you, he would not release me. He claimed that I was in good
faith bound to work for him till his various jobs were done."
"And did you think so, my friend?"
"No," he replied, "I did not; but he told me that if I did not stay he
would give me no further employment.
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