“Suppose I said right now that I wanted a hundred dollars!” Dick went on.
“Why—er—ahem.” Mr. Slocum looked about him for guidance.
“We would be compelled to ask what you wanted it for,” answered Mr. Crockett.
“And suppose,” Dick said very slowly, looking Mr. Crockett squarely in the eyes, “suppose I said that I was very sorry, but that I did not care to say what I wanted it for?”
“Then you wouldn’t get it,” Mr. Crockett said so immediately that there was a hint of testiness and snap in his manner.
Dick nodded slowly, as if letting the information sink in.
“But, of course, my boy,” Mr. Slocum took up hastily, “you understand you are too young to handle money yet. We must decide that for you.”
“You mean I can’t touch a penny without your permission?”
“Not a penny,” Mr. Crockett snapped.
Dick nodded his head thoughtfully and murmured, “Oh, I see.”