"Ah, indeed!" The fact that Roger's father occupied a high political position seemed to have considerable effect on Philip Chesterfield.
"They are a couple of fakirs!" cried Nick Jasniff. He knew not what else to say.
"Nicholas, be silent. I will listen to their story, and then you can have your say."
"If you are going to listen to them, I'll get out," stormed the runaway, and edged for the door.
"No, you don't; you'll stay here!" exclaimed Dave, and blocked the way. "I came all the way from America to catch you, and you are not going until I get through with you."
A brief war of words followed, which came to an end when the old gentleman locked the door. Then he had Dave and Roger tell their tale in full, after which he asked a number of questions. Nick Jasniff wanted to break into the conversation a number of times, but was not permitted to do so.
"Nicholas, if this is true, you are a young scoundrel, and I do not want you in my house another day!" exclaimed Philip Chesterfield. "I shall send a telegram to your father at once, asking him to come on."
"Where is Mr. Jasniff?" asked Dave.
"In Italy—he went there for his wife's health."
"Did Nicholas tell you anything about my folks?" went on Dave.