I remained silent. What more was there to say?

“Did you hear me?” stormed my guardian.

“I hear you,” I replied as calmly as I could, which is not saying much.

“Well, why don’t you answer then?”

“I have told the truth.”

I had hardly uttered the words before Mr. Norton sprang at me.

“You will find I am not to be trifled with!” he exclaimed.

“And you will find out that I am not to be treated like a dog,” I returned. And I ran across the room and towards the door leading to the store-room.

“No, you don’t! You sha’n’t escape me like this!” he shouted. And he ran after me and placed himself directly in front of the door.