"Why did you send for me?" asked Fred, when at last he had a chance to get in a word.
"Mr. Bronson wants to see you," replied his father mysteriously.
"Do you happen to know why he sent for Clothespin?"
"He will tell you, Fred."
"Then it's about the same thing?" cried Fred excitedly.
"Yes."
"Oh, father, please tell me!"
"It's a matter of great consequence to us," replied Mr. Markham. "But just what Mr. Bronson had in mind, I don't know. I do know this, though, he has taken a great liking to you. Indeed, it was what his son wrote about your kindness when school opened that caused him to reconsider his refusal to take my case."
"How do you know?"
"He told me so. Now, just amuse yourself with the paper for a few minutes while I attend to some things, and then we are to lunch with Mr. Bronson."