"An' I've always treated ye right—ain't I? Answer me."
"Yes, sir."
"Well, folks say you're neglected an' that you don't have decent clothes an' that you might as well have no father at all. Now, old boy, I'm going to tell you the truth; I'm broke—failed in business, an' have had to give up. Understand me; I haven't a cent in the world."
The man smote his empty pocket suggestively. The boy was now deeply serious. Not able to comprehend the full purport of his father's words, he saw something in the face before him which began to hurt. His lower lip trembled a little.
"Don't worry, old friend," said Gordon, clapping him on the shoulder.
Just then Sue came running back.
"Say," said she, climbing on a round of her father's chair, "did Uncle Silas ever ketch a panther by the tail?"
The children held their breaths waiting for the answer.
"Ketch a panther by the tail!" their father exclaimed. "Whatever put that in your head?"
Sue answered with some show of excitement. Her words came fast.