Uriah Dicks caught the drift of the talk and looked perplexed, not knowing exactly upon which side to cast his opinion.
But he soon made up his mind. Ralph was a poor boy, with little or no influence, while the squire was rich and powerful.
"I don't know but what you are right, gentlemen," he said. "He certainly talked putty sharp-like about Percy last night."
"I shall make him suffer for that, never fear," said the squire, pointedly. "He shall not insult my son with impunity!"
Ralph was about to speak, but Horace Kelsey checked him.
"It will do you no good to talk," he said, in a low tone. "They are against you, and we can prove nothing. Better drop the matter, at least until something more in your favor turns up."
"But I am certain the bill is mine——"
"So am I, but it is one thing to know it and quite another to prove it."
"Hadn't you ought to be on the bridge now?" asked Uriah, sourly.
"Bob Sanderson is tending for me."