Especially did he dislike General Gordon.

The latter was looked up to by all the best people as the leading man in the community, and that was something Mr.Owens could not endure.

He wanted that honor himself; and because he could not have it, he made it a point to oppose and injure the General in every possible way.
"What do you think Gordon is trying to do now ?" Mr.Owens asked, just as the boys came in and took their seats at the table.

"Gardner's mail contract has run out, and as he doesn't intend to put in another bid, that meddlesome Silas Jones asked the General who would be a good man to take his place; and Gordon hadn't any more sense than to recommend Dave Evans." "Well, of all the things I ever heard of!" exclaimed Bob.
"That's what I thought," continued Mr.Owens.

"I heard them talking about it at the post-office.