But Hal shook his head. "Why, I've been right into the wood, you know; last autumn, nutting."
"Ah, to be sure!" acquiesced the old gentleman.
"But what are you going there for, grandfather?" questioned Hal, who was noted for his inquisitive spirit. Impertinent, some good people would have said; but not so his grandfather.
"How can a boy learn what he doesn't know, if he may not ask a question?" he would say. "A spirit of inquiry is one of the first requisites to learning." So now he answered without reserve.
"To see about having one put in repair for Farmer Bluff," said he.
"For Farmer Bluff?"
The question was from all three at once.
The Squire nodded gravely. "For Farmer Bluff," repeated he. "He has to leave the Manor Farm."
"To leave?"
"Why, grandfather?"