On account of what?

Rufus was really quite bothered now. ‘...something on account?’

“Sorry, Marcus, what did you mean by ‘something on account’?”

“Let me clarify, Rufus. I meant an advance on your pay. I’ll pay you in advance.”

“Oh... right... thanks” This explanation made Rufus realise he’d been silly to be concerned. The old man was playing very fair and this allayed his fears. He’d been chosen despite the fighting because he was university material.

“Off you go now lad, I’ve a pile of logs for you to chop this afternoon. Go on boy, chop-chop!”

Rufus didn’t notice Marcus’s sinister leering laugh...