“I’m sure I don’t know.”
“I laid out the money, and I expect it back.”
“Well, as you have charge of my father’s affairs, you must get it back the best way you can,” I replied briefly.
“None of your impudence!”
“I am not impudent. I haven’t any money, and there is no money here belonging to father; that’s all there is to it.”
Mr. Norton jumped up from his chair and strode about the room.
“You are lying to me!” he cried passionately.
“I tell the truth.”
“I don’t believe a word of it,” he went on. “Your father had money, and either you have spent it, or else you intend to keep it from me. Now, I am going to know the truth.”
As Mr. Norton concluded he walked over to the corner, and caught up a hickory stick that stood behind the door.