And then he read on:
“I have put the matter of the mortgage on Hyson Hall into the hands of Mr. John P. Harrison, who will see what can be done. In the mean time, I desire you to make every effort to find out your uncle’s whereabouts, and to acquaint him with the state of affairs. I shall put an advertisement into several newspapers, requesting him to return as soon as possible.”
“Your uncle won’t like that,” cried Chap. “I shouldn’t wonder if he thrashed old Welford as soon as he comes back.”
“Oh, Chap,” said Helen, “he wouldn’t do that!”
“No,” said Phil, “he won’t thrash him, but I know he won’t like it. But the worst part of the letter is to come.”
Phil then read:
“And now, sir, I have to say that I have received very discreditable accounts of you. I have been told, and have been assured that every word of the statements can be proved, that young Touron was shamefully treated at your uncle’s house. You attempted to shoot him with a gun, and he was afterwards dreadfully beaten by one of your comrades. Such conduct, sir, is outrageous and amazing. You are not only acting in an unlawful and ungentlemanly manner, but you are directly working against the most important interests of your uncle by injuring and exasperating the holders of the mortgage on his property, so that they will push their claims to the utmost limit. What action against you personally may be taken by the Tourons I do not know. If you get into trouble you must apply to Mr. Harrison. There is no more money subject to your order in my hands, and I wish to have no further communication with you.
“Henry G. Welford.”
“Upon—my—word!” exclaimed Chap. “A pretty gentleman! No ‘Yours truly,’ or even ‘Yours respectfully!’ I tell you what it is, Phil, I always believed that that Welford ought to have been put down in the beginning. What he wanted was the iron heel. It mightn’t have seemed to work at first, but he’d have crumbled before long. Look at Susan!”
“I think the letter is perfectly shameful,” said Helen, disregarding her brother’s remarks. “What dreadful stories that French boy must have told!”